​The 123s of VFDs. Effective January 1, 2017, stricter federal rules regulate how medically important antibiotics—medications that are important for treating human disease—can be administered to animals in feed and drinking water.

A VFD must be issued by a licensed veterinarian operating in the course of his/her professional practice and in compliance with all applicable veterinary licensing and practice requirements, including issuing the VFD in the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended the new animal drug regulations to implement the veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs section of the Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 (ADAA). On June 3, 2015, the FDA published in the Federal Register the final rule revising the VFD regulations in 21 CFR Part 558.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended the new animal drug regulations to implement the veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs section of the Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 (ADAA).

A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is a written order (paper or electronic) by a licensed veterinarian in the course of their practice approving the use of a VFD medication.

Beginning in June of 2023, livestock owners will need a prescription from a licensed veterinarian to purchase all medically important antimicrobial drugs, says Dr. Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist.

2) The VFD protects animals and people The FDA and drug manufacturers agreed to remove production uses (i.e., growth promotion, feed efficiency) for antibiotics that are medically important, and to require veterinary oversight for use of these antibiotics in feed (requires a VFD) or water (requires a prescription).