Beekeepers have faced many challenges with disease pressure, habitat loss, and colony collapse. Veterinarians are needed to assist beekeepers with hive management, as well as disease identification, prevention, and treatment.
The AVMA has provided information about the specifics < link > in the VFD and how it applies to veterinarians. The AVMA was involved in providing input to the FDA regarding veterinarians’ needs and roles in antimicrobial use. FDA rules require beekeepers to obtain antibiotics from a veterinarian, through either a prescription or a written VFD. This gives veterinarians an important reason to become involved in bee health.
Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice. Link. Because of the economic importance of bees on a global level many veterinary teams are seeking to learn more. VFDs are fulfilled by feed mills or VFD distributors. A veterinarian could sign up to be a distributor. For a veterinarian to issue a VFD, they must have a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR). To form a valid VCPR, the veterinarian must physically visit the apiary.
The AVMA produced Honey Bees: A Guide for Veterinarians < link >, which provides basic knowledge to allow veterinarians to better communicate with beekeepers and serve the needs of these unique patients.