VFD is less than two months away and many livestock producers may still have questions about buying medicated feed. Farm Foundation, NFP and the Animal Health Institute have partnered to develop a point-of-sale tool that rural retailers can use to help their customers better understand the changes that will take effect on Jan. 1.
The informational card is designed to alert producers to the changes and direct them to the Farm Foundation’s website that offers resources from a variety of sources, including FDA, Extension, species groups, animal pharmaceutical manufacturers, veterinary groups, and media. The card can be placed in the feed department or at a cash register. The card can also be used by educators and other professionals when they discuss the revised VFD with producers.
Stewardship of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for the nation’s consumers, food industry, and agricultural production sector. FDA’s Guidance for Industry #209 and #213 require companies to change labels of medically-important antibiotics administered in feed and water to only therapeutic use (prevention, control and treatment of disease). In addition, under the revised VFD (Veterinary Feed Directive) rule, use of these drugs will require a veterinarian’s directive before a livestock producer can buy medicated feed.
The card is provided in an electronic format so the user can print as many copies as needed. Print copies are also available. Both are available free of charge. To request the electronic file, or print copies, contact Mary Thompson, Farm Foundation Vice President of Communication, mary@farmfoundation.org.
