Remote Drug Delivery

Whether you use a syringe or a remote drug delivery device (RDDD), proper injection technique is important. RDDDs–such as dart guns, pole syringes and crossbows designed for administering injections–can pose a challenge to achieving treatment best practices. However, every effort must be made to ensure human, animal and food safety are top priority.

RDDDs offer beef cattle producers an option to administer drugs in cases where traditional delivery is not possible, such as remote locations without handling facilities or when dealing with difficult animals. Producers choosing to use RDDDs should have appropriate training, technique and drug selection in consultation with a veterinarian.

One-page flier on best practices for RDDD:

remote drug delivery best practices for treatment of beef cattle
Click to download PDF.

QR code for veterinarian prescription labels:

QR code to scan for RDDD safety information
Right click and “Save image as” a png file.

Printed tri-fold brochure for veterinarian offices:

remote drug delivery (RDDD) best practices for beef cattle treatments
Click to preview.

Printed safety brochures are available through Western Drug Distribution Center or by contacting the BCRC.

beef cattle on hill

“Producing quality, wholesome and safe meat should be everyone’s goal. Darting for treatment is a last option and should be pretty infrequent, but if you utilize RDD, do so following the guidelines as close as possible.” – Alberta veterinarian Dr. Roy Lewis

Click to read “Remote Drug Delivery Devices: What You Need to Know,” by Dr. Lewis

cattle herd on range

“If we have handling facilities available, or any other method of restraining and treating these animals, we should select those options first. Remote delivery devices should be used only as a last resort for a small minority of treatments in situations where animal welfare is a concern and there are no other options.” – Dr. John Campbell, Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Click to read “Remote delivery of antimicrobials should be a last resort,” by Dr. Campbell

These RDDD resources were developed in collaboration with Verified Beef Production Plus.