I have seen blogs saying that reps said that this was down to licencing issues.
It is not clear if these are PETSMARTS or ANGELS EYES reps.
When the UK version of the FDA, the VMD, decided enough was enough and that it was time to stop people selling Angels Eyes, they raided a handful of sellers and took the stock. They hoped that the word would get out and that everyone else would stop.
Whilst this was happening the Angels Eyes reps said that it was a minor licencing problem that would be resolved in a few weeks. Two years on it is still banned (and Angels Eyes still post it to the UK!!).
The VMD has said that the tylosin based products will NEVER be allowed without a Marketing Authority. This is a very, very, very expensive approval system that would require long term studies of the safety of Tylosin in dogs (and to a lesser degree in other animals). There was short term studies in dogs back in the 60's when Tylosin was being approved for livestock usage but to date there has never been any long term dog studies. Hence tylosin is FDA approved but not for dogs or cats, only for livestock- poultry, cows and pigs.
The VMD also say that even with a Marketing Authority it is unlikely that tears stain removal would not be considered an appropriate use of an antibiotic.
For a number of years the FDA have said that the likes of Angels Eyes are illegal- perhaps this is their broadside shot, a clarion call.
This might be politically motivated with a new administration raising concerns about the over use of antibiotics. Concerns which have been echoed by the WHO with reference to the likes of tylosin as a growth promoter in livestock. Even McDonalds now refuse to buy meat that has been subjected to antibiotic use as a growth promoter.
Whilst I am only speculating it does seem very likely that this is the start of the end for the tylosin based products after-all they are illegal. Given their finite resources it makes sense for the FDA to approach the larger firms first rather than going after the smaller ones.
Legal loopholes mean that Angels Eyes is probably not breaking the law buy mixing the two products, ie tylosin and ground beef liver. They are probably not even breaking the law by selling it to customers abroad. It would be nice though if they told customers that it is illegal for THEM to use it... |