Liquid Baytril for Flock Treatment

Used as a therapeutic agent to prevent infection in dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, and birds, Baytril is an antibiotic manufactured by Bayer Animal Sciences. The liquid form of Baytril, which has been on the market since 1980, is often used as a treatment for entire flocks of chickens in production livestock situations.

  1. Baytril use in Poultry Flocks

    • Baytril is often prescribed to poultry flocks suffering from respiratory infections. The treatment is administered by mixing the drug with drinking water of the flock.

      Determining the water consumption of the flock is the first step to preparing the treatment. Baytril is then mixed according to label directions. All water sources that are not treated should be removed from the coop. Courses of treatment for Baytril usually run from five to 10 days but can run as long as 30 days for severe cases.

      It is prohibited to use eggs or meat from the flock until all residual traces of the drug have passed from the animal's system. The United States Department of Agriculture has tables to determine the proper waiting periods based on dosage and the size of the animals. A course of probiotics is suggested after the completion of the Baytril treatment to restore beneficial bacteria in the digestive track of the animals.

    Indications for Baytril use in Poultry

    • Baytril is a broad spectrum antibiotic often prescribed for respiratory infections in chickens or turkeys. As is true with all antibiotics, it's not effective on viral infections.

    Cautions in Using Baytril

    • Enrofloxacin, the active ingredient in Baytril, can stimulate the nervous system if ingested by humans. This can cause hallucinations, headaches, and intense dreams. While skin contact with the drug is not hazardous, it is advisable for people handling Baytril to wash their hands with soap and water to avoid accidently ingesting even trace amounts of the drug.