What is a VFD?
On June 5, 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register its final rule amending the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) regulation. The VFD regulation was revised to facilitate its expanded use under FDA’s antimicrobial resistance policies. These policies apply to animal agriculture drugs, which are also important in human medicine. A VFD is a written statement issued by a licensed veterinarian that allows the use of a particular drug or combination of drugs in or on an animal feed. FDA intends to have related policies in place by late 2016 with the VFD effective no later than January 1, 2017. There are 362 drugs that are subject to a VFD, ten of which Wenger Feeds uses today. If an item you currently use is on the list, you will no longer be able to add it to your feed or water without veterinary oversight and a written VFD from a veterinarian. As a result, this may increase the lead time required to treat a flock or herd, so it will be imperative for growers to be monitoring animal health and building a strong relationship with a veterinarian.
What does it mean for you?
Wenger Feeds has a consulting veterinarian, Dr. Eric Willinghan, who is available for consultation anytime that poultry health concerns arise. In addition, Dr. Willinghan visits the area every six to eight weeks to spend time in the field with our customers, Account Leaders, and Flock Service Team. For questions about VFD drugs, please contact us, 1-800-692-6008, or use our contact page.
If you are interested in having Dr. Willinghan visit your facility to review your poultry health issues or discuss potential ways to improve your program, please contact your Account Leader or Flock Service Technician, 1-800-692-6008, or use our contact page.
For a complete list of affected items, see: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/AntimicrobialResistance/JudiciousUseofAntimicrobials/ucm390429.htm