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Context:
Illicit xylazine has been found to be an adulterant in illicit fentanyl and heroin and can contribute to overdose deaths and the development of chronic sores in drug users. Xylazine is an important veterinary sedative used to facilitate the safe handling of many species and is particularly important in livestock. Sedation of fractious animals is essential to keep people and the animals on which they work safe. There is little evidence that illicit xylazine is being diverted from veterinary channels, but there is evidence that it is being illegally imported from China through sources on the dark web.
Limiting veterinary access to xylazine would jeopardize both animal welfare and human health. The bipartisan bill in the U. S. Congress titled, “Combating Illicit Xylazine Act” (H.R. 1839/S. 993) would engage the DEA and make the manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, or possession of xylazine when trafficking for human use subject to harsher penalties under the Controlled Substance Act. At the same time, the bill will maintain the availability of xylazine for veterinary use as a prescription drug under the FDA oversight. This will minimize supply chain disruption and preserve its important use for sedation and restraint of livestock and other species.
PVMA’s Position:
The PVMA supports the passage of the ‘Combating Illicit Xylazine Act’ (H.R. 1839/S. 993) under consideration by the U.S. Congress. We feel that the restriction of illicit use of xylazine is an important tool to stem the tide of the drug problem in humans.
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