Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 12/13/13


Merck Animal Health has released an update on its “Five-Step Plan to Ensure Responsible Beef,” noting that “it is too early to determine when Merck Animal Health will return Zilmax back to the market in the United States and Canada.”

Merck pulled Zilmax (zilpaterol hydrochloride) off the market in August amid concerns that the feed additive was causing health problems for some of the cattle to which it was fed.

"Our five-step plan is a direct reflection of [our] commitment to science. It also reflects our commitment to working with our industry partners to maintain the highest standards of care for the health and well-being of cattle,” says KJ Varma, senior vice president, global R&D for Merck Animal Health.

Certification process
For example, Merck has developed a formal certification process for the use of Zilmax.

As part of the certification, every feedyard team member, nutritionist and veterinarian who uses the additive or provides consultative services on feeding Zilmax to cattle must be trained annually on the proper use of the product.

The training focuses on safety practices, product handling, mixing protocols, cattle management, product inventory, record keeping and clean-out procedures.

Every certified operation will also be required to pass an initial test to ensure proper mixing practices, as well as four additional feed mix tests throughout the year. Before a feedyard can participate in the Zilmax Field Evaluations, the operation will need to be certified.

Field evaluations
The company has also worked with its new advisory board to develop and finalize the protocol for the field evaluations for Zilmax-fed and control cattle, which are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2014.
The evaluations will include observing cattle throughout the system, evaluating their mobility, and reviewing possible compounding factors.


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