A veterinary feed directive (VFD) is a written (nonverbal) statement issued by a licensed veterinarian in the course of the veterinarian’s professional practice that orders the use of a VFD drug or combination VFD drug in or on an animal feed. This written statement authorizes the client to obtain and use animal feed, bearing or containing a VFD drug or combination VFD drug, to treat the client’s animals in compliance with the conditions for approved use.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a new regulation that has changed the veterinary feed directive (VFD) process due to increased concern surrounding the use of antimicrobial drugs used in food producing animals. Changes to the regulation will help support the judicious use of antibiotics and limit antimicrobial resistance, for products used to treat human illness. The agency’s effort will result in eliminating growth promotion use of medically important drugs in feed by January 1, 2017.

Learn More About the New Upcoming Regulation:

          

          

Additional Information: 

Notice to FDA of Distribution of VFD Feeds
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Acknowledgement of Distribution Limitations of VFD Feeds
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VFD Form Sample
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Does the State or Federal VCPR Definition Apply to a Lawful VFD in my State?
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Drugs Transitioning from Over-the-Counter to VFD Status
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Producer VFD Record Sheet
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Plan for Transitioning to New Labeling by January 1, 2017
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Guidance for Industry Small Entity Compliance Guide Veterinary Feed Directive Regulation Questions and Answers
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FDA VFD Inspection Tool

Our industry was informed of the FDA’s new compliance measurement strategy for the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD).  This program has two purposes:

1. Gauge the level of compliance in the field, to see if more guidance is needed for veterinarians, distributors and producers

2. See what guidance is needed for FDA/State investigators during an inspection process

The FDA said they will use the VFD Inspection Tool and will use the “one forward and one back” process, meaning if a VFD is reviewed at a feed mill, it can be traced to the veterinarian and the producer.  As this is a pilot program, feedback on the inspection tool will be used for improvement purposes.  The FDA expects this tool to become routine, following the pilot period.

Download the VFD Inspection Tool >