Livestock Management RANCHING Veterinary Feed Directive — What
Cattle Producers Need to Know By Kristin Lewis Hawkins
T
HE VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVE (VFD) RULES GO INTO effect on Jan. 1, 2017. As the calendar creeps closer to that date, you may hear more about
the rules and what they will mean to cattle producers, feed dealers and veterinarians. This new rule will mean something different for
everyone, but a couple of key factors will hit everyone equally: The rules will mean more paperwork, and some of the rule details are almost guaranteed to change or remain in a state of fl ux for some time.
VFD required on Jan. 1. 2017 When the rules go into effect in January, producers
will be required to obtain a written authorization from a licensed veterinarian to purchase feed that contains certain antimicrobials that are also deemed medically necessary for human treatment. Some feed manufac- turers and suppliers have changed their formulation of the products that previously contained VFD drugs so that they will contain alternative drugs that are not under regulation. It is advised that producers who plan to purchase feed products from distributors or suppliers contact these sources before Jan. 1, 2017, to discuss whether their product is affected. This could save valuable money and time later. It may also be helpful to become familiar with the
new labels that will specify products that require a VFD for purchase. They will be obvious and easy to spot.
Establish a VCPR NOW Producers will also be required establish a Veterinary-
Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) for their animals be- fore any VFD orders can be written. This will mean that a veterinarian must examine your animal or animals before they can write a VFD for a specifi c condition. While many producers already have a regular vet-
erinarian, some may only call on a vet as needed for emergencies, and it may have been a while since that last call. Producers are advised to contact their regular vet to verify that a VCPR is on record for their animals or set up a time when one can be established.
62 The Cattleman November 2016 If you do not have a regular veterinarian, it is highly
advised that you fi nd one before the VFD rules go into effect. Some veterinarians may be fully booked or not taking new patients. With the shortage of large animal veterinarians in many areas of the state, there may also be a scramble for other producers in your area as they try to establish relationships with the few vets available.
Understand the limitations Some changes under the new VFD rules will in-
clude the specifi cation of certain drugs for particular ailments or conditions. Any actual or intended use of a drug in an animal that is not in accordance with the approved labeling will not be permitted. Veterinarians play an important role in animal and
human health and their oversight, as an integral part of the VFD process, will help ensure that medically important antimicrobial drugs will be used in feed ac- cording to label directions and only when appropriate to meet specifi c animal health needs. Therefore, the use of medicated feeds, including those containing a VFD drug or combination VFD drug, is limited to the approved, conditionally approved, or indexed condi- tions of use. Any extralabel use will not be permitted. These conditions of use will include duration of treat-
ment, or approved time that the medicated feed can be used. The VFD itself will also have an expiration date,
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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