veterinary feed directive (vfd) dr. ron lemenager beef extension specialist 765-427-5972
DESCRIPTION
Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) What is a VFD? What is a VFD? – Similar to a prescription, but more detailed It does not apply to injectables, or over-the-counter drugs It does not apply to injectables, or over-the-counter drugs – Water-soluble medications require a veterinary Rx Once signed by a veterinarian it becomes active Once signed by a veterinarian it becomes active Must be kept on file for 2 years Must be kept on file for 2 years – What it includes Where animals are located (can be multiple locations) Where animals are located (can be multiple locations) Group of animals to be treated Group of animals to be treated What disease is to be treated What disease is to be treated Antibiotic (antimicrobial) being prescribed Antibiotic (antimicrobial) being prescribed – Feeding rate, Duration, Expiration date (or 6 mo)TRANSCRIPT
Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)
• Purpose: Document judicious use of medically important, feed-grade antibiotics
• All segments of the beef industry are included:– Cow-calf– Replacement heifers and bulls– Stocker/background– Feedyards – 4-H and FFA animals
Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)
• What is a VFD?– Similar to a prescription, but more detailed
• It does not apply to injectables, or over-the-counter drugs– Water-soluble medications require a veterinary Rx
• Once signed by a veterinarian it becomes active• Must be kept on file for 2 years
– What it includes• Where animals are located (can be multiple locations)• Group of animals to be treated• What disease is to be treated• Antibiotic (antimicrobial) being prescribed
– Feeding rate, Duration, Expiration date (or 6 mo)
Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)
• “Extra-label use” of a medicated feed– Not permitted – Can only be used according to label and VFD• Dosage• Species
Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)
• Effective date: January 1, 2017• What’s needed?– Good VCP relationship (professional supervision)– VFD written by licensed veterinarian – VFD must be presented to feed supplier/distributor– Feeds containing a VFD drug/combination• Must be fed according to label• Cannot be fed after expiration date (unless renewed)
– Maintain records for minimum of 2 yr.
Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)
• Check with your suppliers– Are they going to continue selling antimicrobials?– If not, what’s Plan B?
• Opportunity– A good VCP to help build stronger herd immunity– Reduce need for antibiotic treatment– Areas to consider:• Nutrition and vaccinations• Facility updates and low-stress cattle handling
Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)
• Commonly used feed-grade antibiotics– Chlortetracycline (CTC) – Aureomycin• Only label claim is for respiratory, enteric diseases, and
anaplasmosis• Cannot be used for growth promotion, footrot or pinkeye
– Tylan (feedlot for liver abcesses)– Ionophores and anti-coccidials are excluded• Rumensin, Bovatec, Cattlyst• Corid (amprolium)• Unless used in combination with antibiotic (ex. Tylan, CTC)
Comments on Anaplasmosis• CTC as a preventative (or treatment)– Visit with your veterinarian to develop a plan
• At least 6 counties in So. Indiana• Blood-born disease (vector = wood tick)– Biting flies– 3-6 wk for symptoms to develop– Cattle >3 yr most sever clinical signs (30-50% mort.)– Carrier animals (infected calves, recovered animals)
Comments on Anaplasmosis• Make sure to clean processing equipment– Ear taggers, tattooing equipment–Castration knives–Needles (6/10)–Dehorning equipment