FDA Veterinary Feed Directive: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how veterinarians can use medically important antimicrobials in animal feed for food-producing animals.
The FDA Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) provides a regulatory framework for veterinarians who need to prescribe medically important antimicrobials for animals used in food production.
Who it's for
This directive applies to veterinarians who are prescribing antibiotics for food-producing animals.
What you get
It provides a legal way to use medically important antimicrobials within animal feed. This ensures that these medications are used under professional veterinary supervision for animals intended for human consumption.
What it costs you
While there is no mention of a direct fee, you are required to invest time into record-keeping. You must maintain all VFD orders for a period of two years.
The catch to know
You cannot simply refill an existing order. Every time you need to provide these antimicrobials, a new order must be issued.
How to apply
- Determine if the antimicrobial you are prescribing is medically important.
- Ensure the animal is a food-producing animal.
- Issue a new order for each use, as refills are not permitted.
- Keep all written orders on file for at least two years.
For more details, visit the official portal: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/development-approval-process/veterinary-feed-directive-vfd