Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has banned the use of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in veterinary medicine from 1 November 2026, in a move to curb antimicrobial resistance and protect treatments used in human medicine.
What the ban covers
- All veterinary medicinal products and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin
- Nine registered products: eight imported and one locally registered
- Applies to farm animals and pets alike
Why ciprofloxacin was banned
Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class, listed as Critically Important Antimicrobials for human medicine. Inappropriate use in animals can drive bacterial resistance that makes human infections harder to treat. The decision followed research on antimicrobial resistance, including studies from United Arab Emirates University.
Dr Ruqaya Aqeel Al Bastaki, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Products Regulation Sector at EDE, said antimicrobial use must be regulated by assessing the risks of each substance and how they affect treatment priorities.
What companies and pet owners should do
Manufacturers, importers and suppliers must stop manufacturing, importing and supplying affected products, withdraw stock from the market, re-export or dispose of remaining stock under approved procedures and submit proof of completion. EDE is preparing a monitoring plan to check compliance. Pet owners and farmers should check the ingredients of animal medicines and speak to a veterinarian about alternatives.
Source: Khaleej Times.
