Who issues the Veterinary Feed Directive?

• A. A licensed veterinarian
• B. A pharmacist
• C. A feed mill operator
• D. The state governor

Answer: (A)

A Veterinary Feed Directive is a form of veterinary oversight for certain medicated feeds, so it must come from a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian assesses the animal’s health needs and then authorizes the use of the specific drug in feed, detailing the drug, dosage, species, duration, and any conditions. This directive is what allows the medicated feed to be legally manufactured and distributed under veterinary supervision, with copies kept for record-keeping and accountability. A pharmacist doesn’t issue VFDs, since they don’t authorize use of medicated feeds in this veterinary context. A feed mill operator can’t issue the directive either—they supply the product but rely on the veterinarian’s authorization. A state governor may regulate broad rules, but individual VFDs are issued by a licensed veterinarian who has the authority to determine appropriate medical use.