Livestock Management RANCHING Veterinary Feed Directive —
Producer Recordkeeping By Kristin Lewis Hawkins
L
AST MONTH, WE DISCUSSED THE PAPERWORK THAT WILL BE required to comply with the new Veterinary Feed
Directive rules that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Now that you are familiar with the VFD process and the forms necessary to purchase and use antimicrobial drugs intended for in or on animal feed, you will also need to be aware of the recordkeeping requirements of the rule. The new VFD rule will require a veterinarian’s over-
sight and direction in the form of a written directive that includes all the pertinent information regarding purchase and use of the drug. After a veterinarian has determined the use of a VFD drug is necessary and appropriate under an established Veterinary-Client- Patient Relationship (VCPR) and animal examination, a directive will be issued to the producer to present to the feed mill or distributor. There are a few recordkeeping rules and regulations to be aware of regarding the paperwork.
Who else gets a copy of the VFD, besides the producer? A veterinarian must send a copy of the VFD to
the distributor in hardcopy, by facsimile (fax), or by electronic means. If the veterinarian sends the VFD in hardcopy, he or she must send the copy of the VFD to the distributor either directly or through the client. The veterinarian retains the original VFD order in its original form, whether that is electronic or hardcopy.
How long must I keep these records? The FDA requires all involved parties, including
producers, to keep VFD records for 2 years. The origi- nal stays with the veterinarian, while distributors and clients may keep an electronic copy or hardcopy.
Digital and electronic recordkeeping A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) can be issued as
hard copy, by fax or electronically. No matter what the format, the original stays with the veterinarian. The producer and distributor parties are required to have copies of the VFD, but those can be electronic or paper. Companies such as Global VetLink offer resources
and digital products for veterinarians, feed distributors and producers to keep track of their VFD information electronically. Much like issuing health certifi cates such as Coggins electronically, the FDA has approved the electronic issuance of VFD orders. If you decide to use an electronic service, program or portal to keep track of your VFD records, be sure it is a reputable service and that it will work with your personal veterinar- ian. It is advisable to discuss recordkeeping with your veterinarian now to be sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to how you can work together to make compliance easier on everyone involved, includ- ing your animals. Many of the operational details of recordkeeping,
issuance of directives and rule compliance are still being worked out by the FDA, feed manufacturers and producers. It is likely that further wrinkles in the system will be found and ironed out as Jan. 1, 2017 rolls closer. For further information, visit
www.FDA.gov and
search “VFD.”
70 The Cattleman August 2016
thecattlemanmagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124