Where do producers get antimicrobials for animals?
Producers can purchase certain antimicrobials over-the-counter (OTC) from livestock supply stores. Products available for OTC purchase have been approved by the FDA for use only as directed on the label. Producers can also obtain antimicrobials from their veterinarian with a prescription. Animal feed can be formulated with an antimicrobial when there is a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) directing the feed mill to add a specific antimicrobial to the feed at a specific dose or if the OTC product is approved and labeled for use in feed (in which case it must be added to food according to the label directions). In most states, prescriptions and VFDs require that a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) exists. Simply put, a VCPR is established when a veterinarian examines an animal patient (or flock or herd) and there is an agreement between the client and the veterinarian that the veterinarian will provide medical care for the animal(s).
