Farms.com Home   News

New Drug Rules Affect State’s Cattle Producers

By Ms. Susan M. Collins-Smith
MSU Extension Service Extension Associate II
 
New regulations passed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will continue to help cattle producers and veterinarians protect the health of animals and humans.
 
The amended rules will require all cattle producers to obtain a veterinary feed directive, or VFD, from a licensed veterinarian to use feeds that contain medications. Antimicrobials used in drinking water also require this veterinary prescription.
 
Dr. Carla Huston, veterinarian and associate professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said the new regulations will promote the judicious use of antimicrobials.
 
“While these regulations may seem burdensome at first, the long-term effects will provide a positive overall opportunity for the livestock industry,” Huston said. “The new regulations will help to ensure that we continue to have a safe and wholesome food supply by protecting both animal and human health. They will also help promote the important relationship between the producer and the veterinarian.”
 
The new regulations go into effect on Jan.1, 2017. At that time, producers then must obtain a VFD and provide the VFD when buying feed. They must feed according to the directive and discontinue feeding medicated food when the prescription expires.
 
To obtain a VFD, producers must have an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Producers also must keep copies of the directive for two years.
 

Trending Video

Dr. Stacie Crowder: Feed Additives & PRRS

Video: Dr. Stacie Crowder: Feed Additives & PRRS


In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Stacie Crowder from Land O’Lakes, who currently leads the Fortiva innovation team, shares how non-medicated feed additives are transforming swine health strategies. She explains an innovative approach to supporting animal resilience through functional nutrition, immune modulation, and the use of medium-chain fatty acids. Hear how these tools are being used in PRRS management and how they can boost production efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!