As a critical tool in veterinary medicine, xylazine is essential for the safe and humane handling of many species, including horses. Any move to schedule xylazine without specific provisions for its veterinary needs would severely disrupt the legitimate supply and potentially prohibit critical uses of this vital drug.
The regulation of xylazine is evolving across the United States, with both federal and state authorities taking steps to control its distribution and use. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act has been reintroduced in Congress, seeking to classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to provide the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with necessary tools to monitor xylazine’s manufacturing and distribution while ensuring that veterinarians retain access to the drug for legitimate medical purposes. Importantly, the bill includes provisions to clarify lawful veterinary use and mandates regular reporting on xylazine’s prevalence and associated risks.
While federal legislation is pending, several states have taken their own steps to regulate xylazine, with some including exemptions for veterinary use.
The AAEP supports the scheduling of xylazine, but only with clear safeguards that ensure veterinarians maintain access. We will continue advocating for a balanced approach that addresses the growing public health crisis while protecting veterinarians' ability to provide essential care to their patients.
