A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) can be issued as hard copy or electronically. No matter what the format, the original stays with the veterinarian. The producer and distributor parties are required to have copies of the VFD.

Currently there is one company that has electronic VFDs for the current products that are available for VFD status. We see the electronic process as an option to decrease errors and add more efficiency in the creation and storage of the VFD records, said Dr. Kerry Keffaber, DVM, advisor for scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health, during a recent webinar series sponsored by Feedstuffs and Elanco. Keffaber noted that the goal of  GlobalVetLINK is to become a one-stop solution for all antibiotics.

“I won’t be surprised if other companies emerge to help fill this niche, but we are confident that at least there's one now that's looking to have a one-stop solution for electronic VFDs,” said Keffaber. “As one of the many sponsors looking to collaborate with all stakeholders from farm to fork, we want to make sure this process goes as effectively, as efficiently, as possible because we want this to be a success. I think there's a strong opportunity by moving forward together that we can leapfrog ahead in demonstrating responsible antibiotic use.”

For more information on electronic VFDs and GlobalVetLink - https://www.globalvetlink.com/products/feedlink/