The findings in this report offer no great surprise.
Many geographic areas were identified across the United States where food animal veterinary services may be inadequate to implement the Veterinary Feed Directive and meet other producer needs.
Consider however, many animal health pros believe the VFD is the tip of the iceberg for antibiotic vigilance.
- What happens when injectable antibiotics are added to VFD-style tracking efforts?
- How many more persons will be needed to just manage, collect and monitor data?
- How will we handle the added costs in delivery when margins are stressed already?
AND . . .
- What happens if VFD-style vigilance is extended to companion animals?
Source: JAVMA, November 15, 2018. (abstract only) Link.
Also see: JAVMA, November 15, 2018. Link. Table of contents for this issue of JAVMA
INSIGHTS: The advances in technology and consumer-driven expectations challenge our current capacities for animal care, education and expected participation in One Health efforts. Because animal health pros are practical, pragmatic and often dogmatic, keeping up has been and will continue to be challenging. One thing for sure, if vigilance efforts on antibiotics is expanded, it will take more people dedicated to recordkeeping.
VFD-style tracking in its present state is basically the same as prescription tracking for the injectable antimicrobials. Both regulatory processes are authorization focused; veterinarians authorizing when, where and how antimicrobials are used in livestock production. There is currently minimal focus on tracking how much API volume was actually used. Data collection and sharing between producers, feed mills, pharm suppliers and veterinarians will need to escalate dramatically prior to the practical implementation of usage oversight.
A rising tide lifts all boats…cost of production goes up slightly for everyone and the consumer pays. Stewardship has a price.
Regarding companion animals, VFDs are not used and prescriptions are typically written for a fixed amount which is prescribed accordingly.