GlobalVetLINK (GVL®) has released a new Veterinary Feed Record (VFR) feature that offers veterinarians a tool for managing and tracking non-VFD, feed-grade antibiotics (ie. carbadox, bacitracin, tiamulin) in its FeedLINK® Electronic VFD System.
Writing VFRs allows vets to simulate the VFD (Veterinary Feed Directive) process, providing a “practice” method to prepare for expanded VFDs coming January 1.
“Our users wanted a way to practice writing VFDs for the drugs that will transition on January 1, but the FDA insists that VFDs can only be written for current VFD drugs,” explains Kaylen Henry, GVL Product Manager. “Working with our vet customers, we developed VFRs to help our clients prepare for the VFD changes and get an idea of how their VFD process will work. At the same time, we’re providing a method for vets to track use of non-VFD antibiotics to support evidence of a valid VCPR and judicious use of those products.”
Beginning January 1, 2017, many of the antibiotics used for food animal production will require a VFD from a veterinarian. Some vets, producers and feed distributors are unfamiliar with the VFD process, and many have expressed interest in tracking use of these transition products now as a way to prepare for the coming changes.
VFRs are non-regulatory documents for record-keeping purposes only, and do not replace a VFD.
“We setup VFRs so that the expiration date cannot be set for after December 31st for any transition drug,” added Henry. “This helps prevent any confusion over a VFR versus a VFD.”
How VFRs work:
· VFRs are separate from VFDs, and FeedLINK indicates when a VFR is being written.
· Vets can digitally send a VFR to feed distributors and clients/owners, similar to how they would send a VFD.
· The VFR is maintained in an online, secure GlobalVetLINK account for minimum two years.
“We are working closely with drug manufacturers to provide our users with the most accurate label information,” said Henry. “Additional drugs will be activated as GVL works through its quality control process with other partners.”
A current list of the active VFR products in FeedLINK is available atglobalvetlink.com/products/feedlink/veterinaryfeedrecords.
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