The Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 established a new category of drugs, veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs. The revised VFD rule that went into effect in October of last year addresses the use of drugs in feeds for livestock. Current focus is on antimicrobials that are considered medically important.
- All changes associated with medically important antimicrobials that are now available over the counter must be implemented by January 1, 2017.
- Use of VFD drugs now falls under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. Producers must receive signed and written authorization from a licensed veterinarian to purchase and utilize VFD antimicrobials on and in feed.
- An established Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is required.
Steps to obtain a VFD Order:
- Contact your veterinarian with whom you have a valid VCPR.
- The veterinarian determines whether conditions warrant use of a VFD drug or feed.
- If warranted, the veterinarian issues a written and signed VFD order containing information specified by regulations.
- The veterinarian retains a copy of the VFD order and gives a copy to the client.
- The client keeps the copy and gives the original signed VFD to the feed mill/feed distributor supplying the VFD feed. The VFD order allows the feed to be released to the client.
- Depending on the specific VFD drug and the conditions outlined by the veterinarian, separate VFD orders may be required for different groups of livestock and new VFD orders may be required to extend the treatment duration.
More information to come.