Veterinary Feed Directive What does the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) mean for 4H, FFA and Veterinarians. Michael Lyon, DVM Large Animal Practice 805-528-0961 What is a VFD • A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is a written statement issued by a licensed veterinarian that orders the use of a VFD drug (VFDd) in or on animal feed. • The statement authorizes the client to obtain and use the VFDd to treat The Client’s animals. • Only in accordance with directions approved or indexed by the FDA. • Requires a Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR). • The veterinarian should examine and diagnose animal conditions and determine if a VFDd is necessary. Veterinary Client Patient Relationship • What is a VCPR? • A relationship between the veterinarian, the client and the patient(s) that allows the veterinarian to know the patient’s medical conditions and environment in order to diagnose, treat or prevent illness. • Why is a VCPR important? • It is required by law in many states for a veterinarian to diagnose, treat, prescribe or dispense medications (and issue a VFD!) in accordance with the state’s Veterinarian Practice Act. How is a VCPR Established and Maintained? • Establishment • A VCPR is established ONLY when your veterinarian examines your animal in person. • Cannot be established online, via email or over the phone. • Maintenance • By regular veterinary visits (depends on conditions) as needed to monitor your animal’s health. VCPR: VET • The veterinarian assumes responsibility for making medical judgment. • The veterinarian must have sufficient knowledge of animals to make general or preliminary diagnoses. • The veterinarian must be available for followup. • The veterinarian must be familiar with the operation and makes periodic visits to the operation. • Must be licensed in the state where animals are located. VCPR: OWNER • Giving your veterinarian the information and access required to have an understanding of your animal(s). • Ask questions! • Make sure you understand what is being directed and follow those instructions!! • Realize that when the veterinarian establishes VCPR they are accepting responsibility for your animal’s care and also some legal responsibility for YOUR actions. VCPR and VFD • A VFD CANNOT exist without a VCPR • Please DO NOT ask your veterinarian to accept responsibility for your actions without a proper VCPR. We like you….I promise….but we worked hard for our licenses! VFD: What is a VFDd? • A Veterinary Feed Directive drug is: • A medically important antibiotic that is mixed into or top-dressed on a feed. • A comprehensive list of feeds listed as VFDd’s can be found at: • https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/AntimicrobialResistance/JudiciousUs eofAntimicrobials/ucm390429.htm • VFDd’s CANNOT be used off label. • Use of feed containing a VFD drug in a manner other than as directed on the label is not permitted. Definitions • Antibiotic • Inhibit the growth of bacteria (good and bad) • If used correctly antibiotics can be used to kill bacteria that cause infection and illness. • Belong to a class of drugs called “antimicrobials” • Antimicrobial • Any substance of natural, or synthetic origin that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms but causes little or no damage to the host. • All antibiotics are antimicrobials, but not all antimicrobials are antibiotics VFDd’s are not • VFDd’s do NOT include: • Deworming medications: Ivermectin, moxidectin, fenbendazole etc. • Coccidial medicines: Amprolium (Corid), decoquinate • Sulfa medications are considered antibiotics • Water soluble antibiotics • As long as they are used in water and not added to a feed • Ie tetracycline powder etc • Generally require a prescription and not a VFD • Terramycin ophthalmic ointments??? How to get a VFD • Establish VCPR • Contact your veterinarian • If you can be prepared with the applicable pre printed form-superstar. • These can generally be found on the manufacturers websites. • Your veterinarian will fill out the form • Present the VFD to the feed supplier • Feed supplier makes and distributes according to VFD • All parties are required to maintain records for 2 years. What is on the VFD • Veterinarians information • Client information • ID and number of animals treated/fed (Species and location) • Date of treatment and date VFD drug issued • Name of drug • Concentration • Instructions and withdrawal • Special instructions • Expiration (less than 6 months) and refills • Any specific statements required • “Use of feed containing this VFD drug in a manner other than as directed on the labeling (extralabel) is not permitted” VFD Location • The VFD Must include premises ID but may include more information about the animals: • So that someone can locate the animals, if needed. • May include the pen or description of where the animals are currently located. • If the VFD is intended to authorize the use of a VFD feed in a group of animals that are located at more than one physical location, then the VFD can specify different locations so long as the feed is supplied by a single feed distributor. Veterinary Feed Directive for Swine AUREOMIX® S 40/40 Granular (chlortetracycline and sulfamethazine) Veterinarian: ______________________________________ Client: _ Business or Address: Home Address: Phone #: _______________________________________ Phone #: ________________ FAX or email: (optional) ______________________________ FAX or email: (optional) . Drug Levels: 100 g chlortetracycline and 100 g sulfamethazine per ton. Duration of Use: _____ days Indications for Use: Swine: For reduction of the incidence of cervical abscesses; treatment of bacterial swine enteritis (salmonellosis or necrotic enteritis caused by Salmonella choleraesuis and vibrionic dysentery); prevention of these diseases during times of stress; and maintenance of weight gains in the presence of atrophic rhinitis. USE OF FEED CONTAINING THIS VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVE (VFD) DRUG IN A MANNER OTHER THAN AS DIRECTED ON THE LABELING (EXTRA-LABEL USE) IS NOT PERMITTED. Approximate number of Swine to be treated: ____________ Premise or Location of animals: ______________________ Special Instructions and/or other animal identifications: Affirmation of Intent (for combination VFD drugs): This VFD only authorizes the use of the VFD drug(s) cited in this order and is not intended to authorize the use of such drug(s) in combination with any other animal drugs. Warning: Withdraw 15 days prior to slaughter. Date of VFD Issuance: _(dd/mm/yyyy) Date of VFD Expiration:_ (dd/mm/yyyy) (Cannot exceed 6 months after issuance) Veterinarian's signature: Color Z Original - Veterinarian Color X Copy - Supplier Color Y Copy - Client All parties must retain a copy of this VFD for 2 years after issuance Why are we doing this • Good question….Tylenol anyone? Ok, fine • Reduce the use of medically important antibiotics to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance. • Make sure all parties are aware (Painfully) of how these drugs should be administered to be effective. • Assess whether VFD drugs are being used and if so are they actually necessary. Record Keeping • Veterinarian/producer/ feed mill are required to keep records for at least 2 years. • VFD have an expiration date • Duration of use • This is the number of days the producer is allowed to feed the drug • For example • Tilmicosin has a treatment duration of 21 days and an expiration of 90 days • The client has 90 days to obtain VFD feed and complete the treatment, however they can only feed the animals the drug for 21 days. FDA Enforcement • General surveillance and for-cause inspection assignments. Questions? .