Tiamulin is a semi-synthetic derivative of the diterpene antibiotic pleuromutilin. It is primarily used to treat respiratory infections caused by
Mycoplasma and
avian intestinal spirochetosis caused by
Brachyspira in poultry.
Tiamulin is sold as a liquid concentrate intended to be added to the flock's drinking water. The amount of the product needed per water source depends on the dose, concentration of the specific product, volume of the water source, combined weight of the birds in the flock, number of birds and estimated water intake. The estimated water intake varies on body size, diet, whether they are laying eggs, season (temperature and humidity) and health status of each bird. Commonly used average water intake values for one adult chicken is 0.2 - 1 L per day. Birds may double their water intake during heat stress. The drinking water will need to be replaced daily and serve as the only water source for the flock. Keep in mind sick birds will drink less.
If the drug is desired to be given to an individual bird orally by syringe, the actual medicated dose is calculated based on dose, bird's weight and concentration of the drug. It should be diluted with water to make the total combined volume (drug + water) to the nearest whole number. For example, if 0.46 mL of the drug was needed, you would want to add 0.54 mL of water to make the total volume 1 mL.
Tiamulin is absorbed relatively quickly when administered orally, and is metabolized in the liver. Tiamulin is eliminated from the bird's body after a withdrawal period of 72 hours. A zero withdrawal period for eggs has been granted in several European Union states.
