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 four steps for VFD preparation recommended.
- Strengthen relationships with veterinarians and feed suppliers.
- Evaluate rations and identify one that include shared-class antibiotics affected by VFD rules.
- Work with veterinarians and feed suppliers to updated standard operating procedures
- Review SOPs at regular intervals.
Source: Feedstuffs, VFD Central, January 31, 2016.
“With just 11 months until the final VFD is in place, it’s important that every cattle operation start preparations so there are no surprises,” says Keffaber. “Collaboration plays a critical role in implementing these updated regulations successfully.”