Why are these regulations happening all of a sudden?
What's the difference between a prescription and a VFD?
What if I don't have a local veterinarian? How do I get a VFD?
Which animal species does the VFD impact?
Are all water soluble products included in the VFD?
Will goat medicated feed be affected?
Will I still be able to get medicated milk replacers at TSC?
I have some medicated milk replacers that I bought a few months ago. What should I do?
Does the VFD include the medicated chick feed?
I read a prescription is good for 6 months and some products can only be fed for 7 days. Can you explain this?
The vets around here seem to know little about this. Who will sell us the meds once we get the prescription? The vet or TSC?
Will I need a prescription for medicated feeds to treat scours?
What about corid?
Do I need a prescription for horse vaccines or injectable antibiotics, like penicillin?
How will wormers for cattle, horses and goats be affected by the VFD?

Q: Why are these regulations happening all of a sudden?

A: These regulations are the result of many years of planning starting in 1996. The FDA has goals of judicious use of antibiotics, protecting public health and limiting the development of antimicrobial resistance. top

Q: What's the difference between a prescription and a VFD?

A: A prescription is for antibiotics that are injectable or applied to water. A VFD is a document from your veterinarian for antibiotics that go into feed. Both will come from your veterinarian. top

Q: What if I don't have a local veterinarian? How do I get a VFD?

A: It is required that your veterinarian has a good knowledge of you, your farm and your animals. Seek out those veterinarians that are working with your friends or neighbors and develop a working relationship with them. top

Q: Which animal species does the VFD impact?

A: VFD regulations apply to all animals that are considered food animals. top

Q: Are all water soluble products included in the VFD?

A: All water soluble antibiotics have been transitioned to prescription status. They will be available only from businesses that are licensed to sell prescription antibiotics. top

Q: Will goat medicated feed be affected?

A: Medicated goat feed is not affected. top

Q: Will I still be able to get medicated milk replacers at TSC?

A: You will still be able to get medicated milk replacers that are not subject to VFD regulations. top

Q: I have some medicated milk replacers that I bought a few months ago. What should I do?

A: If the medicated milk replacers are for treatment, you should ask your veterinarian for a VFD before you can feed that milk replacer. If it was labeled for growth promotion you would have to destroy it. To destroy it, contact your local waste management. top

Q: Does the VFD include the medicated chick feed?

A: Tractor Supply has medicated chick starter/grower feed that does not require VFD. top

Q: I read a prescription is good for 6 months and some products can only be fed for 7 days. Can you explain this?

A: You can treat several different groups of calves that will be on your farm during that time period of 6 months. However, you can only treat each individual calf for a 7-14 day period. top

Q: The vets around here seem to know little about this. Who will sell us the meds once we get the prescription? The vet or TSC?

A: The vet will sell the medication; TSC will not be able carry prescription products. top

Q: Will I need a prescription for medicated feeds to treat scours?

A: There are two milk replacers that are medicated products that are not regulated by the VFD. They can be used for coccidia, which can be a common cause of scours in calves. top

Q: What about corid?

A: Corid (amprolium) is not affected. top

Q: Do I need a prescription for horse vaccines or injectable antibiotics, like penicillin?

A: No, you will not. Injectables are not part of this change. top

Q: How will wormers for cattle, horses and goats be affected by the VFD?

A: They are exempt from VFD regulations. top