Micro-Dairying? What You Need To Know About The New Veterinary Feed Directive Legislation

Unlike large commercial dairies, micro-diaries focus on managing a small number of cows to produce high quality, responsibly raised dairy products for family use and often as an income-producing product for the local food market as well. Because of their small size, most micro-dairy owners quickly learn to handle many of their animals' health needs on their own, such as treating common infections and basic wound care. If you are operating a micro-dairy or plan to open one soon, the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is a piece of new legislation that goes into effect in 2017 that may affect how you handle veterinary care of your animals in the future. 

What is the Veterinary Feed Directive? 

Born from the need to place controls on the use of antibiotics in animal feeds, the Veterinary Care Directive legislation will make it necessary for farmers and ranchers of any size to make changes in the way they use antibiotics for animal care. In the past many common antibiotics, such as penicillin and ampicillin were available as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines available at most farm or feed stores for animal use. In addition, commercial feeds that contained antibiotics have been readily available for many types of livestock, such as calves and pigs, as an effort to ward off illness. 

When the VFD laws become effective in 2017, it will no longer be possible for animal owners, farmers, ranchers, or even commercial milk or meat producers to purchase and use these medications without the express written permission of their veterinarian in the form of a Veterinary Feed Directive. 

How Can Micro-Dairies Work Within the Confines of VFD Laws? 

Since taking care of farm animals requires being ready to handle emergency situations, including those that involve infection or illness requiring the use of an antibiotic, micro-dairy owners will still be able to work within the confines of the VFD law to make sure their animals can be treated as needed. 

To do this, micro-dairy owners will need to work more closely with their veterinarians to obtain a VFD and keep it updated and on file where they purchase the animal medications in their area. Obtaining the VFD will require the veterinarian to visit the premises of the micro-dairy, farm, or other location where animals are kept and inspect the animals and the facilities to make sure they are well-maintained and healthful. To find out more about how the VFD law will affect your micro-dairy operation, contact your local veterinarian. They will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get prepared for this important change.