A subscriber sent us this article about the chicken debate in Irving, Texas. This discussion represents issues in all American cities, suburbs and rural developments. VFD regulations apply to these animals as much as they do to those in a feedlot. Veterinarians who don’t plan to practice food animal medicine, must be well-versed in the VFD regulations. The law allows any licensed veterinarian to issue a VFD in the course of his practice. Companion animal veterinarians may find situations that require one. For example, a pet owner client may ask you to issue a VFD for a flock of backyard chickens.
Source: The Dallas Morning News, April 12, 2016, ‘Six ain’t enough,’ Irving residents squawk about backyard chicken rules.
Source: FDA.
What are “major and minor animal species”? FDA regulations define cattle, horses, swine, chickens, turkeys, dogs, and cats, as major species. All animal species, other than humans, that are not major species are minor species.
INSIGHTS: The VFD topic provides distribution representatives great opportunities to bring information and processes to companion animal and mixed animal veterinary hospital teams. Every team member should possess decent working knowledge of the VFD. Consider that chicks sold at Easter are now almost three weeks old and some are likely feeling poorly by now.