Why is the involvement of a veterinarian important?
Most of the antimicrobial drugs approved for use in food-producing animals in feed or water are over-the-counter products. FDA thinks that including veterinary oversight or consultation when these drugs are used in food-producing animals is an important way to ensure judicious use. Veterinarians play a critical role in the diagnosis of animal disease and in deciding how to treat, control, and prevent animal disease. FDA understands that veterinary oversight or consultation varies due to many factors, such as geographic location of the farm and different animal production methods. Sometimes, veterinarians directly diagnose and treat animals, while other times, they periodically visit and consult with an animal producer to customize a disease management protocol for that producer’s herd or flock. • How will FDA implement the recommendations for judicious use? To implement the recommendations for judicious use, FDA will actively work with drug companies; the veterinary, public health, and
