A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is, under the law of the United States, a written authorization allowing animal keepers to use animal feed containing specified antibiotics in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved directions for use.
[1] Regulations related to the VFD are published by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine in 21 CFR 510, 514, and 558.
[1] The purpose of implementing the VFD is to aid in decreasing the levels of antibiotic resistance in human and animal populations.
[citation needed] Producers must have a current veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) in order to obtain a written VFD.
[5] To ensure the judicious use of antibiotics in food producing animals, the new regulations went into effect on January 1, 2017 and many drugs changed from over the counter to prescription status for medicated water and feed.