What is the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)? Updated for 2023
Big changes were placed in effect on January 1, 2017 by the USDA regarding how certain medications were going to be dispensed for chickens and other types of livestock.
Basically, the Veterinary Feed Directive put a stop to over-the-counter sales of many of the antibiotics used for poultry and other livestock.
What is the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)? Updated for 2023
In order to purchase medications that were previously on your feed store shelves, you will now need a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. That's it in a nutshell, but there's lots more information here on the USDA site.
This directive was put in place to try to ensure that medications are only given after a proper diagnosis has been made.
I can't tell you how many email I get to this effect: "One of my chickens doesn't look right, so I gave all my girls a round of antibiotics." or "I have a limping chicken. I gave her antibiotics. What else can I do?"
Randomly treating your chickens like this leads to the body's gradual resistance to the antibiotics and the creation of so-called "super bugs", making the medications less effective when they really ARE needed.
Not to mention that a big reason we all raise chickens is to eat healthier - and medicating the chickens that lay the eggs your family eats is hardly healthy.
Which Medications are Included?
The directive affected sales of two of the more common medications given to chickens, Sulmet and Tylan, but included a wide array of others currently on the market.
Click HERE for a complete list. Medicated chick feed which does include amprolium will not be affected however and will still be available for sale at feed stores.
(Note: I don't feed my baby chicks medicated feed, but I know many of you do. It's a personal choice.)
Updated for 2023
An update to the original Veterinary Feed Directive has been issued by the USDA. It goes into effect on June 12, 2023.
Here are all the details, but basically the directive has been expanded to remove the remaining medications from feed store shelves, including Terramycin and Bio-mycin. These will be available by prescription only.
That means that only those chicken keepers who have a vet or access to a vet will be able to obtain antibiotics and anti-microbials for their flocks.
So now would be a great time to check around, ask for references or leads, and find a poultry vet nearby who you can start a relationship with now, just in case. That way, if and when you find yourself in need of medications, you will be able to get the prescription you need.
While this new feed directive posed a problem for many chicken keepers and other farmers and homesteaders, both logistically and monetarily, since it's often difficult to even find a poultry vet, much less justify or find the money to pay for an office visit, I was in favor of this directive for the most part.
Like antibiotic use in humans, in many cases antibiotics were being overused - and abused - in the animal world as well.
Some of the medications previously available over the counter have indefinite withdrawal periods - meaning that if you dose your chickens with them, you should never eat their eggs again!
What Can/Should You Do to Prepare?
I'm happy to say that the new feed directive won't affect me much at all - and shouldn't effect most of you who have been following my advice over the years.
I have never used commercial medications on my flock. Instead, I have always focused on lots of natural supplements to keep my girls' immune systems as strong as possible so they are better able to fight off anything they come in contact with on their own.
So far, so good (knock on wood). No illness or anything that would require the use of antibiotics or other medications.
Now, more than ever, it will be so important to keep your flock healthy. Feeding your chickens a good-quality chicken feed is the first step to provide them a well-balanced diet with all the vitamins and minerals they need. But that's just the first step.
Plenty of fresh air, a clean coop and run area, fresh water and exercise will all become even more important.
Locate a poultry veterinarian now, before you need one, is also a good idea. Jot your chicken vet's phone number and address down and keep it handy in your chicken first aid kit or posted on the fridge.
However, even the best-quality feed doesn't necessarily include immune-system boosting ingredients, so I also recommend adding the following supplements to your chickens' daily feed. Instructions are on the packaging for most of these products, but normally a 1-2% ratio to feed is recommended.
Health Boosting Supplements
And of course adding a splash of Apple cider vinegar to their water a few times a week (1 Tablespoon per gallon) is another great way to boost immune and respiratory system health. (more details)
Keeping your chickens healthy naturally has never been more important. This directive will ensure that antibiotics are only given if, and when, needed.
The rest is going to be up to us - to provide our flocks the healthiest diet and environment we can.
So grow some herbs and start mixing in some healthy supplements!
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Warm oatmeal with fresh garlic, thyme and a sprinkle of cinnamon makes a healthy, immune-system boosting treat that your chickens will love. |
Fresh Eggs Daily Natural Poultry Feed Supplements
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