Enrofloxacin (Baytril) is a fluroquinolone, broad-spectrum antibiotic which is well tolerated in birds and useful for treating a wide range of bacterial infections. Enrofloxacin is the veterinary-labeled form of
ciprofloxacin, which is the equivalent drug used in humans.
In the United States, Enrofloxacin is available by prescription only, meaning that you will need to obtain it through your veterinarian who will prescribe it "extra-label" to poultry kept as pets. Since this drug is a fluoroquinolone-class antibiotic, it is not approved for use in birds who are not kept as pets.
Enrofloxacin is a bactericidal at low concentrations against a broad spectrum of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as
Mycoplasma and
Chlamydia spp.
Enrofloxacin is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, bones and central nervous system. A single intramuscular injection of enrofloxacin at 25 mg/kg BW generated sustained and therapeutically active levels of enrofloxacin in the aqueous humour of chickens eyes (K Fuchs et al., 2023).
Enrofloxacin is available as an injectable solution, oral syrup or tablets. The oral syrup should be given directly to the mouth or dissolved in the drinking water. Due to its bitter taste, it may be necessary to mix the drug with another medium such as apple sauce or fruit juice to improve the taste. The drug is less effective when administered in drinking water.
Caution: Enrofloxacin may cause muscle necrosis and pain at the injection site if given IM. Repeated IM injections are not recommended. Birds taking this medication should be concurrently monitored for signs of secondary infections and sour crop.
Storage/Stability: Unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer, enrofloxacin tablets should be stored in tight containers at temperatures less than 30°C. Protect from strong UV light.
