What bacteria does DRAXXIN treat? A comprehensive guide for livestock health

DRAXXIN (tulathromycin) is a long-acting macrolide antibiotic widely used in veterinary medicine for treating respiratory diseases and other infections in livestock. Understanding what bacteria does DRAXXIN treat is crucial for its effective and responsible use in cattle and swine.

Quick Summary

DRAXXIN, with its active ingredient tulathromycin, targets specific pathogens in livestock. The medication treats bovine and swine respiratory diseases, pinkeye, and foot rot by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It provides a long-lasting therapeutic effect with a single injection.

Key Points

• Broad Spectrum Activity: DRAXXIN treats specific respiratory and other bacterial infections in cattle and swine.

• Active Ingredient Tulathromycin: The medication's effectiveness is based on its active component, tulathromycin, a macrolide antibiotic.

• Inhibits Protein Synthesis: Tulathromycin works by binding to bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting the protein synthesis necessary for bacterial growth.

• Targets Respiratory Pathogens: Key pathogens include Mannheimia haemolytica in cattle and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in swine.

• Long-Lasting Effect: A single dose is designed to provide a sustained therapeutic effect, lasting up to nine days in swine.

• Treats More than Respiratory Disease: In cattle, DRAXXIN also treats pinkeye (Moraxella bovis) and foot rot (Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii).

The active ingredient: Tulathromycin

DRAXXIN's efficacy stems from its active ingredient, tulathromycin, a semi-synthetic macrolide antimicrobial. Its long-lasting effect is attributed to its unique chemical structure and ability to concentrate in immune cells at infection sites.

Mechanism of action

Tulathromycin, like other macrolides, inhibits essential bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing bacterial growth.

Specific bacteria treated by DRAXXIN

DRAXXIN targets common bacterial pathogens affecting the respiratory systems and other areas of cattle and swine.

Bacteria in cattle

For cattle, DRAXXIN treats Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) and other specific infections. This includes respiratory pathogens such as Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis. DRAXXIN also treats other conditions like pinkeye (Moraxella bovis) and bovine foot rot (Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii).

Bacteria in swine

In swine, DRAXXIN is indicated for the treatment and control of Swine Respiratory Disease (SRD). Key pathogens associated with SRD that DRAXXIN treats include Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, and Haemophilus parasuis.

Comparing DRAXXIN's target pathogens

A table highlighting the bacterial pathogens targeted by DRAXXIN in cattle and swine can be found on the {Link: Zoetis US website https://www.zoetisus.com/products/cattle/draxxin/}.

Important considerations and safe use

Responsible use of DRAXXIN is vital, including following label instructions for dosage and withdrawal times.

Withdrawal periods

• Cattle: 18 days pre-slaughter.
• Swine: 5 days pre-slaughter.

Safety warnings

DRAXXIN is not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months or older or in animals with known hypersensitivity. Injection site reactions may occur.

Conclusion

DRAXXIN is a valuable veterinary tool targeting specific bacteria causing significant livestock diseases like BRD, SRD, pinkeye, and foot rot. Its active ingredient, tulathromycin, inhibits protein synthesis, providing a long-lasting, single-dose treatment. Proper use, including adhering to withdrawal periods and safety information, is crucial for effectiveness and food safety. Consultation with a veterinarian is recommended for diagnosis and treatment protocols.

For more detailed prescribing information, refer to the official Zoetis DRAXXIN product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the active ingredient in DRAXXIN?

The active ingredient in DRAXXIN is tulathromycin, which is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic.

How does DRAXXIN work against bacteria?

DRAXXIN's active ingredient, tulathromycin, inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing the bacteria from multiplying.

What respiratory bacteria does DRAXXIN treat in cattle?

In cattle, DRAXXIN treats Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis.

What bacteria does DRAXXIN treat in swine?

For swine, DRAXXIN treats Swine Respiratory Disease (SRD) caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, and Haemophilus parasuis.

Does DRAXXIN treat foot rot?

Yes, DRAXXIN is indicated for the treatment of interdigital necrobacillosis (bovine foot rot) caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii in cattle.

Can DRAXXIN be used in female dairy cattle?

No, DRAXXIN should not be used in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, as it may result in drug residues in milk.

What is the withdrawal period for DRAXXIN?

The pre-slaughter withdrawal period for DRAXXIN is 18 days for cattle and 5 days for swine intended for human consumption.