Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, federal rules go into effect to regulate how medically important antibiotics can be given to animals in feed and water. The rules, put forth by the Food and Drug Administration, require veterinary oversight whenever these medically important antibiotics are administered to any food animal. All medically important antibiotics will require a veterinary feed directive, or prescription, from a veterinarian.

Veterinary Feed Directive Basics - AVMA. The driving force for the initial VFD rule in 1996 and revisions since is improving food safety. The goal is more responsible antibiotic use.

Zoetis has put together several resources for producers. There are many in-feed antibiotics that will be affected by this rule.

The Food and Drug Administration outlines the process it went through to create and revise the rule.

The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank also offers resources, including brochures.

Elanco also offers resources for preparing for the VFD.