Veterinary Feed Directive — Labels

By Kristin Lewis Hawkins

When the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules go into effect Jan. 1, 2017, purchase of any animal feed containing medically important antimicrobial drugs will require a veterinarian’s approval and oversight. After a veterinarian has examined the animal or animals and has established a Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR), he or she will provide the producer with a written or electronic VFD order. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Judicious Use plan, the use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals should be limited to those uses that are considered necessary for assuring animal health. The use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals should be limited to those uses that include veterinary oversight or consultation. Veterinarians will be able to authorize the use of VFD drugs only in accordance with the condition or illnesses listed as approved by the product’s label, for the animals and species authorized. No off-label use is permitted. Feeding rate, dosage and treatment interval and withdrawal times will all be limited to label directions. Information on the label will include: Name of the medicated feed Species and production class intended for use Indications for use, including the specific approved intended use of the feed Ingredients Active ingredients Guaranteed analysis Mixing directions Cautions, including those related to animal safety, drug stability, or misuse of the feed containing the drug Warnings, such as withdrawal information Manufacturer information Weight statement Other information about the lot All labeling and advertising must prominently and conspicuously display the following cautionary statement: “Caution: Federal law restricts medicated feed containing this veterinary feed directive (VFD) drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.” This label and information will be prominently displayed on the container or bag, if the product is packaged. Reading all the information on the label is important for proper use and avoiding misuse. Additional information on VFD rules is available at the following websites: At FDA.gov, find a full range of topics, including the official rules and industry guidance, affected drug lists, fact sheets and summaries. VFD Central at feedstuffs.com/vfd.aspx provides a gathering of information from many sources for producers, veterinarians and feed manufacturers. The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank at farad.org offers information on VFD modules and fact sheets for the many categories of affected species. If you have further questions about VFD rules, you are encouraged to contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have one, it is recommended you find one before the rules go into affect at the beginning of 2017. This will save important time for you, your veterinarian and your animals. -TC