Write a veterinary feed directive

A veterinary feed directive (VFD) is a vet's written authorization for a medically important antimicrobial given in feed. Vivetra records the directive and lets you print it. It never sends it to a feed distributor or anyone else.

Only veterinarians can write a VFD. Everyone else can see and print the list.

Before you start

You need the farm client and at least one premises on file (see Set up farm clients, operations and premises).

Write a VFD

1. Select Feed Directives (VFD) in the Livestock menu.
2. Under Author a VFD document, choose the Client.
3. If the directive covers one lot, choose it in Lot group (optional — one VFD covers at most one lot).
4. Enter the Issuance date and Expiration date. The expiration must be after the issuance date and no more than 6 months later.
5. Enter the Drug name and choose the Species.
6. Under Premises covered* (one VFD may cover multiple premises), tick every premises the directive covers. At least one is required.
7. Select Record VFD.

Before you save, choose the Issuing veterinarian and fill in whatever else applies: production class, approximate animal count, indication, feed drug level, duration of use, label withdrawal time, reorders authorized and feed distributor.

Reorders (refills) authorized defaults to 0. Only raise it when the drug's label allows reorders.

When the feed is given, link the treatment to this directive in the lot's ledger (see Record a group treatment).

Print your VFDs

1. Select Print VFD documents at the top of the page.

The printout is the VFD documents list, without the form.

Outside the US

• Great Britain: you also choose a Document type: VFD or MFSp (UK Medicated Feedingstuffs Prescription). An MFSp can run no more than 3 months, and has an MFSp treatment start-by date.
• Ireland: the page reminds you that Vivetra does not submit to the National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS). Your practice must submit it there directly.