Videos or photos cannot be used as a way to document the VCPR needed to obtain a veterinary feed directive, according to William T. Flynn, DVM, MS, deputy director for science policy, FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. Source: Poultry Health Today, August 31, 2016. One key element of the federal VCPR definition requires veterinarians to have sufficient knowledge of the … [Read more...]
Industry, not activists should establish cage-free definition
Chad Gregory, CEO of the United Egg Producers (UEP), told a group of producers and allied industry representatives that farmers should stop reacting toward cage-free demand. Rather, they should go on the offensive and define what a cage-free system should be. UEP estimates that 190.4 million hens, or about 66 percent of the current national flock, will be required to full … [Read more...]
Facts on CBD treats for dogs
Sources vary on the exact number, but cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of among 60 to over 100 distinct chemical compounds — called cannabinoids as a group — that can be derived from the plant we know as marijuana. This author reviews what CBD is, clarify what it is not, how it functions and the kinds of medical conditions that it might be useful in treating. The Food and Drug … [Read more...]
Apiary owners must bee ready for VFD
New Veterinary Feed Directive regulations are will apply to beekeepers’ apiaries. Yes, bees are considered livestock by the federal government. European foulbrood is a bacterial disease that affects honeybee larvae before the capped state and is characterized by dead and dying larvae in the hive. It is treated with oxytetracycline sold under the trade name Terramycin and is … [Read more...]
VFD tools for clients available for free
Good record-keeping is critical to making the new Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) work well. As veterinarians help clients prepare to implement VFD by January 1, 2017, two new tools can help. Source: Beef, August 4, 2016. (registration required for download) Bill Halfman and Sandy Stuttgen have developed a VFD Order Records Summary Sheet, one a PDF-based download for paper … [Read more...]
Eggs are a victory for the animal welfare movement
In recent years, public attention to eggs and the chickens that make them has grown beyond logical expectations. In fact, nearly 200 companies that include every major grocery and fast food chain have pledged to use only cage-free eggs by 2025. This doesn’t mean life for hens is getting better. In fact, the opposite may be true. Source: Washington Post, August 6, 2016. The … [Read more...]
FDA pilot program begins on-farm VFD inspections
A pilot program designed to help educate FDA auditors as they prepare for VFD implementation has been launched. Auditors are focusing on swine operations first since the pork industry has had a VFD requirement for more than a decade for tilmicosin, florfenicol and avilamycin. The main items producers should know how to answer prior to an inspector visiting their farm are shown … [Read more...]
5 noteworthy discussions from the World Pork Expo
Cheryl Day provides an overview of topics important to the swine industry. This information is a good answer to, “What did you learn at the WPX?” It provides insight into challenges swine producers face. Source: National Hog Farmer, July 2016, page 30. Day summarizes: Pork Quality Assurance Plus program 3.0 Pork, the Other White Meat lawsuit pending Waters of the … [Read more...]
New AVMA guidelines reflect ongoing animal welfare commitment
The AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals (also available in ebook format) provide guidance for veterinarians about how to prevent pain and distress in animals that have been designated for slaughter. The panel members who developed the guidelines offer expertise that is supplemented by input from additional experts and comments provided during a designated … [Read more...]
Nationwide tail docking ban coming soon
Gerard Kramer, DVM, University of Minnesota, discusses alternatives to tail docking. The National FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program is set to ban tail docking nationwide January 1, 2017. Source: Dairy Herd Management, July 2016. Page 27. Dr. Kramer discusses the advantages and disadvantages of three alternatives to managing tail switches: … [Read more...]
AVMA advocates against prescription mandate bill
The wrestling match on veterinary prescriptions continues. An April 29 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee addressed the pet medication industry, including the Fairness to Pet Owners Act (HR 3174/S 1200), legislation that would federally mandate prescription writing for veterinarians. The subcommittee is … [Read more...]
More on VFD
The veterinary feed directive gets more explanation in two articles in this issue. The dynamics of veterinarian and nutritionist interactions are presented along with veterinarians’ perspectives on continuing industry progress. Source: Beef Vet, Summer 2016. With a consumer base that’s increasing removed from food production, yet relentlessly interested in it, the VFD could … [Read more...]
What to expect from an OSHA inspection
The most important reason to achieve and maintain compliance is not to avoid an OSHA fine, but is instead to create a safe and healthful working environment for you and your veterinary team. Source: Animal Health Solutions, May 2016, page 8. Inspections may be conducted with or without advanced notice and are often conducted based upon a current or former employee’s … [Read more...]
New York issues guidelines for avoiding conflicts with coyotes
Coyotes are adaptable and have invaded urban and suburban spaces. Their normal behaviors often put pets at risk. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has issued coyote guidelines that could be used in any part of the U.S. It is good information for websites, blogs and newsletters. Source: AgriPulse, May 2, 2016, link to WBNG News. The state Department of … [Read more...]
FDA targets Carbadox for removal from swine production
Carbadox, the active ingredient in Mecadox ®, a Phibro Animal Health product, helps U.S. hog producers safely control bacterial diseases in early growth stages of pigs. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took the first steps to take this valuable pharmaceutical away from the swine industry. Tom Burkgren, DVM and executive director of the American Association of … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens and the VFD
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 … [Read more...]
Wiggle with Wendy Myers
Wendy Myers addresses wiggle words in the context of heartworm compliance and dental care. She presents the case for being more confident instead of wishy-washy. Source: Animal Health Solutions, April 2016. (complimentary access) Are you letting clients wiggle out of heartworm prevention? and Avoid wiggle words that kill dental compliance both address how veterinary team … [Read more...]
What’s up with pet food?
The Global Pet Expo offers a look at what’s new, different or trendy. Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief, of Petfood Industry, shares what she experienced at the expo in this article. Topics include: innovation enhanced kibble freeze-dried, raw and baked pet foods and treats cat focus natural pet food and treat claims ingredient transparency Source: … [Read more...]
Beef and pork no longer need to be COOL (labeled)
Beef and pork producers got confirmation March 2nd that COOL regulations would no longer apply to their production processes. COOL regulatory requirements for chicken, lamb, goat, farm-raised and wild-caught fish and shellfish, perishable agricultural commodities, peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts and ginseng remain in effect. Source: Beef Producer, March 3, 2016. Under this … [Read more...]
Thyroid treatment shake-up
The first brand of veterinary levothyroxine sodium to receive FDA approval has created a shake-up in long-standing treatment protocols for hypothyroidism in dogs. Nine out of 10 brands of levothyroxine sodium can no longer be manufactured or distributed due to a federal initiative to lower the number of unapproved animal drugs on the market. Acknowledging this disruption, FDA … [Read more...]
Feline anesthesia and analgesia: recent developments
Products approved by the FDA for use in felines are historically sparse. Recently, there have been a few new approvals. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, March/April 2016, page 20. In this peer-reviewed article, Kristen Messenger, DVM, North Carolina State University, reviews current and new options for our feline friends. … [Read more...]
AVMA offers help with VFD
As the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) becomes reality, AVMA offers expertise. Veterinarians wanting help filing VFDs can use a model form and instructions the association offers. VFD regulations require veterinarian oversight of antimicrobials in drug classes considered important to human medicine. Source: JAVMA News, March 2, 2016. The AVMA published the model form in … [Read more...]
New rabies regulation can save lives
This consumer information is important to veterinary teams and the company representatives who call on them. Rabies vaccinations remain critical to incidence control in all mammalian populations. Read the info, follow the links and determine hospital protocols. Once decisions are complete and vet team members on are all on board, assertively communicate your rabies protocols to … [Read more...]
VFD – repeat after me
We at AHD believe it is important to continue to offer quality resources about the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Each time people review something important, there evidence that they achieve a new level of understanding. Thus, repetition helps. VFD is important, requires mutual engagement between veterinarians and clients. It will take time to get a VFD in place with each … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention requires compliance
While exercising today, I heard a familiar buzzing sound. It was a mosquito. In February. It’s a a stark reminder that heartworm prevention needs to be in place 12 months a year. This article and handout linked to it can help restart compliance discussions. Source: DVM 360, February 2, 2016. Whether your clients just don't realize the risk and serious implications of … [Read more...]
Help producers prep for VFD implementation
During last week’s Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, Kerry Keffaber, DVM, advisor for scientific affairs at Elanco Animal Health, shared four ways producers can get ready to implement the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Presented to members of the Livestock Publications Council, you’ll soon see more information in livestock media. There is opportunity in each of the … [Read more...]
VFD regulations affect dairies
We will tire of VFD articles almost before we get started. However, compliance and understanding come with repetition and multiple perspectives. Fred Gingrich, an Ohio DVM, concisely discusses VFD regulations from a product perspective. Source: Dairy Herd Management, January 5, 2016. It is important to recognize what products are affected by these rules. For cattle, the … [Read more...]
Clearing up VFD confusion
Learn what is critical in the short term and what’s to come in 2016 from this review. Source: Beef Magazine, January 2016, page 36. Keep in mind that veterinarians will only be able to authorize label uses of the VFD antibiotics. Currently, any use of a feed drug other than according to the label is illegal. INSIGHTS: The noise about VFD slowed during the holidays. In … [Read more...]