The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) goes into effect on January 1, 2017. After this date, all medically important antibiotics intended for use in animal feed will become VFD drugs and must be used under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. Feed manufacturers will be required to receive a VFD order – a signed and written authorization from a licensed veterinarian to purchase and use VFD antibiotics on and in animal feed.
While a small group of drugs will remain over the counter, more than half of antibiotics used in animal agriculture will require a VFD. For example, in 2012, only 1 percent of feed-based antibiotics required a VFD; in 2017, 61 percent will have transitioned to VFD status. As of Jan. 1, 2017, 12 drugs in particular will move to VFD status.
A VFD form has three parts, all of which must be maintained for two years post-distribution. The original is for the vet, one is for the producer, and one is for the feed mill or feed distributor.
Below are some resources you may find helpful now that the VFD is in effect.
- What happens January 1? Get guidance on the VFD.
- How does a VFD work? Find out who does what when it comes to the VFD.
- View the Veterinary Feed Directive timeline.
- The VFD deadline is here. Are you ready to comply?
- In case you missed it, you can view GlobalVetLINK’s series of “VFD Survival Strategy” webinars on demand. The webinar series provides industry members with VFD transition and compliance information from a variety of industry experts and veterinarians. The series includes "Veterinarian VFD Survival Strategy," "Feed Mill VFD Survival Strategy," "Swine Production VFD Survival Strategy," and "Poultry Production VFD Survival Strategy."
- Learn about the four big changes that will affect livestock producers: the veterinary client patient relationship, recordkeeping, prescriptions, and drug storage and disposal.
- When the new veterinary feed directive (VFD) rules take effect, there will be certain criteria that must be met for a VFD to be considered valid. Find out what criteria must be met for a VFD to be considered valid.
