According to Zoetis, the VFD regulation mandates the rules and responsibilities of licensed veterinarians in prescribing and administering medically important antibiotics in feed.

Guidance #209 establishes two voluntary principles:

1. The use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals should be limited to uses that are considered necessary for assuring animal health.
2. The use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals should include veterinary oversight or consultation.

Guidance #213 provides the procedures for voluntarily phasing out growth promotion indications and establishing therapeutic treatment indications for the use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food producing animals. This would mean a change from Over-the-Counter (OTC) to VFD regulation status for medicated feed products containing medically important antimicrobial drugs. It also would mean a change from OTC to prescription (Rx) status for medicated drinking water products containing these same antimicrobial drugs.

Zoetis supports the FDA’s efforts to voluntarily phase-out growth promotion indications for medically important antibiotics in food producing animals. Zoetis plans to implement Guidances #209 and #213 and has already taken action. This reflects its continued commitment to antibiotic stewardship and represents the many ways that Zoetis promotes the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs in animals.

Zoetis believes that veterinarians should be involved in decisions regarding antibiotic use in food animals for the health of the animal and for the safety of the food supply. The company supports the revisions to the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) regulation to guide veterinarians and farmers as they manage the health and welfare of animals.

Zoetis has been a leader in providing ongoing education to veterinarians and livestock producers on the proper use of antimicrobial drugs to treat, control, and prevent infection and disease in livestock animals. The company affirms its commitment to this important educational service. Zoetis offers veterinary and livestock producer customers a range of educational programs such as animal husbandry, the Individual Pig Care™ program to help train animal caregivers to identify sick pigs early, and Residue Free Guarantees that promote the use of antimicrobial drugs according to label specifications which minimises the inappropriate use of antimicrobial medicines.

Zoetis expects to complete and implement plans to remove growth promotion uses of medically important antibiotics once the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) regulation is finalised. It is committed to supporting its veterinary and livestock producer customers to make a successful transition to the new procedures outlined in the VFD.

As the new policies move forward, Zoetis remains committed to researching and developing new therapeutic products and strategies to help veterinarians treat illness in livestock animals and to help farmers protect the health and wellness of livestock animals.

With the removal of growth promotion indications, use of medically important antibiotics in animals is intended for therapeutic purposes at therapeutic doses and under the supervision of a veterinarian.