January 1st, 2017 is the deadline for the full implementation of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Are you prepared?
FDA is moving to eliminate the use of medically important antibiotics for production purposes (growth promotion and feed efficiency) and bring their remaining therapeutic uses in feed and water under the supervision of licensed veterinarians.
The VFD final rule:
- A VFD can only be issued under a valid veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR)
- VFD is valid for 6 months
- Producer must maintain record of VFD for a minimum of 2 years
Examples of a VFD drug includes neomycin in medicated milk replacer, chlortetracycline in medicated feed that will require a valid VFD. Antimicrobials used in water will require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian and will no longer be available over the counter. (i.e. chlortetracycline used in poultry water).
Still have questions? Contact your veterinarian, extension office or feed dealer.
The Division of Regulatory Services has scheduled meetings to discuss the upcoming changes in Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) regulations.
Monday, November 14th ♦ 1pm – 3pm
Barren County Extension Office
(1463 W Main St ● Glasgow, KY 42141)
Reservations are not required but we would like to know the approximate number of expected attendees. You can contact Alan Harrison at (859) 257-5887 or alan.harrison@uky.edu. For more on the changes in the VFD regulations and the medications affected, visit http://www.rs.uky.edu/ or http://www.fda.gov/.
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