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August 2, 2004:
The Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act is passed. The law will help make more medications legally available to veterinarians and animal owners to treat minor animal species and uncommon diseases in the major animal species (such as cattle, horses, swine, chickens, turkeys, dogs, and cats). The legislation is expected to benefit people who own small or unusual pets such as guinea pigs or ornamental fish, and it will likely be a great help to zoo veterinarians. |
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In October 2005, the FDA granted the first minor use and minor species (MUMS) designation, for a drug used in four species of fish raised in aquaculture - catfish, hybrid striped bass, salmonids, and tilapia. At the time that a designated drug gains approval or conditional approval, it is awarded 7 years exclusive |
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marketing rights. This means that FDA will not approve another application for the same drug in the same dosage form for the same intended use until after the 7 years have elapsed. Other drugs given this designation to date are used to treat sheep, goats, and other farm-raised fish and shellfish. |
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