Over the past several years, the FDA has taken important steps toward fundamental change in how medically important antibiotics can be legally used in feed or water for food-producing animals. These changes are critical to ensure these drugs are used judiciously and only when appropriate for specific animal health purposes. The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is an important part of the agency’s overall strategy to ensure the judicious use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals.
The FDA outlines the process for authorizing use of VFD drugs (animal drugs intended for use in or on animal feed that require the supervision of a licensed veterinarian) and provides veterinarians with a framework for authorizing the use of medically important antimicrobials in feed when needed for specific animal health purposes.
The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) continues to require veterinarians to issue all VFDs within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) and specifies the key elements that define a VCPR. These key elements include that the veterinarian engage with the client (i.e., the animal producer) to assume responsibility for making clinical judgments about patient (i.e., animal) health, have sufficient knowledge of the patient by virtue of patient examination and/or visits to the facility where the patient is managed, and provide for any necessary follow-up evaluation or care.
Have a Valid Client Patient Relationship with us and if you need a VFD to complete a purchase with your local feed supplier call Dairy Doctors at 920 892 4696.