Veterinary Feed Directive: Changes To Come 2016

• The FDA has taken steps toward changing how medically important antibiotics can be legally used in feed or water for food-producing animals.
• They are moving to eliminate the use of such drugs for production purposes(growth promotion and feed efficiency) and bring remaining therapeutic uses in feed and water under the supervision of licensed veterinarians.

• A veterinarian must issue all orders for inclusion of antibiotics in feed or water for livestock food-producing animals.
• All VFD orders for VFD drugs must be issued within the context of a veterinarianclient-patientrelationship (VCPR). A valid VCPR is the basis of veterinary supervision and is a legal agreement between veterinarian and livestock producer.
• Think of it like a prescription. Certain drugs are restricted and now must be regulated by a veterinarian. But, that veterinarian can’t be anyone, it must be some one that has a relationship with you and your herd and understands your operation and agrees with the reasoning behind your antibiotic use.

• All antibiotics except ionophores (Rumensin, Bovatec, Catalyst) in feed are included under the VFD.
• The most popular usage in beef cattle is chlortetracycline (CTC) in mineral supplements. Typically used for anaplasmosis prevention given at low levels.

• December 31, 2016 is when this rule should be taking effect. However, changes are occurring frequently from the federal level.
• Expect more information as the year progresses, especially as states are responsible for veterinary oversight of the rules. 

Source: ncsu.edu