What a valid VFD contains and what feed mills and distributors must do to fill one.
Some of the most important drugs used in animal feed can only be used on the written order of a licensed veterinarian. This course explains the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) under 21 CFR 558.6 and what it requires of the feed mills and distributors that fill those orders.
The course begins with the basics. Learners see what a VFD drug is, what a veterinary feed directive is, who is involved, and how the 2015 final rule and FDA’s April 2024 final guidance, GFI #120, fit together.
Next, learners study what a valid VFD contains: veterinarian and client details, premises, drug, species and production class, number of animals, indication, drug level, duration, withdrawal time, refills, the extralabel use statement, and a signature. They also learn how expiration works, including the six-month limit when the drug’s approval sets none.
The course then covers distributor duties: the one-time notice to FDA before first distribution, obtaining a VFD copy before shipping to a client, filling an order only when it is complete, and the written acknowledgment letter required before shipping VFD feed to another distributor.
Learners also review labeling and manufacturing requirements, including the prominent caution statement, matching the feed to the order and to the approved conditions of use, the prohibition on extralabel use, and how medicated feed mill licensing and Part 225 apply.
Finally, the course covers records and inspection: two years for VFD copies, distribution records, and acknowledgment letters, one year for Part 225 manufacturing records, and keeping everything available for FDA.
Some of the most important drugs used in animal feed can only be used on the written order of a licensed veterinarian. The order, the feed and the records all have to line up.
Completion certificate, PDF slide download, and access to the complete GMP course library from day one.
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