The term animal drugs refers to drugs intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in animals.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the broad mandate under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) to assure the safety and effectiveness of animal drugs and their use in all animals, including farm animals. Before FDA formally approves an animal drug, the sponsor or manufacturer of the drug must document in scientific testing that the drug has been found "safe and effective". The testing data also must demonstrate that a methodology is available to detect and measure any residue left in edible animal products. Farmers and veterinarians using drugs on farm animals must adhere to guidelines about how much time must elapse before a treated animal can be slaughtered, and any other use constraints or warnings stated on the drug label. Animal biologics (e.g., vaccines and tests) are regulated by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.