Tom Burkgren, DVM, AASV executive director, speaks out on the importance of the farm visit as part of the new VFD requirements. He calls for swine veterinarians to keep the integrity of the veterinary-client-patient-relationship valid and professional. “A farm visit by a veterinarian for the sole purpose of meeting a regulatory requirement may not pass the smell test,” he says.
Source: Journal of Swine Health and Production, January/February 2017.
Such a “windshield” practice may check the box of a VCPR, but one’s common sense should take issue with this approach. Only through a thorough understanding of the care and keeping of animals, along with clinical examination and history, diagnostic testing, and record examination, can the value of a veterinarian’s relationship with a client and pigs be fully recognized.
Also see: Table of Contents for this issue.