Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Banamine (flunixin meglumine) for controlling pyrexia (fever) associated with acute mastitis, pneumonia and endotoxemia, as well as controlling the inflammation in endotoxemia such as that caused by coliform mastitis.

Banamine is the only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved for lactating dairy cattle. It is also used extensively to treat beef cattle suffering from respiratory disease. "Banamine means comfort for cows, which can aid recovery and provide peace of mind for producers," says Norman Stewart, manager of Schering-Plough Animal Health technical service.

Banamine benefits the dairy producer by confirming a 36-hour milk withdrawal period, which helps prevent unnecessary milk wastage. Milk taken during treatment and for 36 hours after the last treatment must not be used for food, the release says.

Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of biologicals, pharmaceuticals and specialty products for food and companion animals.