The management of cattle herds often requires the use of specialized, prescription antibiotics. Excede is a long-acting injectable drug designed to provide extended therapeutic activity against serious bacterial diseases in beef and dairy cattle. This medication is dispensed only by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. This regulated use underscores its importance in food-producing animals.
The Active Ingredient and Drug Classification
Excede is a pharmaceutical formulation containing the active ingredient Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid, often abbreviated as CCFA. This compound belongs to the cephalosporin family of antibiotics, specifically classified as a third-generation cephalosporin. The drug is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it is effective against a wide variety of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
The mechanism by which CCFA works is by disrupting the bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is a process unique to the bacteria. It achieves this bactericidal effect by binding to and inactivating specific proteins within the bacterial cell wall structure. This interference prevents the bacteria from building a functional, rigid wall, leading to cell rupture and death.
The crystalline free acid formulation allows Excede to be a sustained-release product. Unlike previous forms of ceftiofur that required repeated daily injections, the CCFA is slowly released from the injection site into the bloodstream. This sustained release allows a single injection to maintain therapeutic drug concentrations for an extended period, which is a practical advantage in livestock management.
Approved Uses in Bovine Respiratory Disease
The primary use of Excede in cattle is for the treatment and control of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). BRD is a complex illness that includes pneumonia and is often called “shipping fever.” This disease is a major cause of economic loss in the cattle industry due to sickness and reduced productivity.
Excede is specifically indicated for BRD associated with three key bacterial pathogens. These bacteria are Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni. The drug’s broad-spectrum activity targets these organisms that colonize the respiratory tract and cause severe infection.
The long-acting nature of the CCFA formulation is particularly beneficial for treating BRD in large groups of animals. A single injection can provide a full course of therapy, maintaining effective antibiotic levels for up to seven days. This extended action reduces the need to repeatedly handle and restrain sick animals, which minimizes stress on the cattle.
Excede is also approved for the control of BRD in cattle considered “high-risk” for developing the disease. This preventive use is often applied to newly arrived calves or those experiencing high levels of stress, helping to stop the infection before it becomes widespread. Additionally, the drug is approved for the treatment of bovine foot rot and acute metritis in lactating dairy cows.
Administration Protocol and Mandatory Withdrawal Requirements
Excede is administered to cattle as a subcutaneous injection, delivered just beneath the skin. The specific injection site is regulated by the FDA and depends on the type of cattle being treated. For beef cattle and non-lactating dairy cattle, the injection is typically given either in the middle third of the posterior aspect of the ear or at the base of the ear.
For lactating dairy cows, the injection is specifically restricted to the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head. The dosage is standardized based on the animal’s body weight, with the typical dose being 1.5 milliliters of the sterile suspension for every 100 pounds of body weight. Proper injection technique is necessary to ensure the drug’s efficacy and to avoid potential complications at the site.
A mandatory regulatory requirement associated with the use of Excede is the meat withdrawal period. This is the time that must pass between the last administration of the drug and the slaughter of the treated animal for human consumption. Following the approved single-dose regimen, cattle treated with Excede must observe a 13-day pre-slaughter withdrawal period.
Adherence to the 13-day withdrawal period ensures that antibiotic residues in the meat fall below safe tolerance levels. For lactating dairy cattle, there is a zero milk discard period, meaning the milk does not need to be withheld after treatment. Excede is not approved for use in calves intended for veal.