Both Sides Now: Views Differ on Zilmax Controversy
Merck Animal Health this month suspended U.S. and Canadian sales of its beta-agonist Zilmax, after Tyson Foods announced on August 7 that it would stop buying cattle treated with the drug, due to animal health concerns. Tyson is the nation's largest meat processor; third-largest meat producer Cargill Inc. followed suit on August 26. Cattle Buyers Weekly reported on August 26 that two other major packers, JBS and National Beef, will soon join the bandwagon.
Feedlot operators, who have long been adding Zilmax to feed to help cattle gain weight shortly before slaughter, are concerned and dismayed by the move, but some consumer advocates hope it is the start of a trend.