(T/F) VFD drugs require professional oversight by a licensed veterinarian.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Depends on state

Answer: (A)

VFD drugs are designed to be used only with veterinary oversight through a Veterinary Feed Directive. A licensed veterinarian must authorize their use by issuing a VFD order, which specifies the drug, the target species, the production limits, withdrawal times, and duration of treatment. This requirement exists to ensure medicines are used judiciously, with appropriate diagnosis and monitoring, and to help curb antimicrobial resistance. In practice, you need a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship, and feed manufacturers and distributors verify the VFD documentation before selling or mixing the medicated feed. Records must be kept to demonstrate compliance, and the specified withdrawal times must be observed before animal products enter the food supply.

Because this oversight is established by federal regulations, it applies across states, with state rules sometimes adding details but not removing the need for a veterinarian’s directive. Therefore, the statement is true.