Carbadox

Carbadox is a veterinary drug that combats infection in swine, particularly swine dysentery.

Carbadox is indicated for control of swine dysentery (vibrionic dysentery, bloody scours, or hemorrhagic dysentery); control of bacterial swine enteritis (salmonellosis or necrotic enteritis caused by Salmonella enterica); aid in the prevention of migration and establishment of large roundworm (Ascaris suum) infections; aid in the prevention of establishment of nodular worm (Oesophagostomum) infections.^[1]

In animal models, carbadox has been shown to be carcinogenic and to induce birth defects.^[2] The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine has questioned the safety in light of its possible carcinogenicity.^[3]

Carbadox is approved in the United States only for use in swine and may not be used within 42 days of slaughter or used in pregnant animals.^[1] In 2016, the United States Food and Drug Administration moved to ban its use in pork, citing a potential cancer risk to humans.^[4] However, as of August 2018, FDA had indefinitely stayed its withdrawal of approval and carbadox remains available. ^[5]

In 2004, carbadox was banned by the Canadian government as a livestock feed additive and for human consumption.^[6] The European Union also forbids the use of carbadox at any level.^[7] Australia forbids the use of carbadox in food producing animals.^[8]