A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is a written authorization issued by a licensed veterinarian that allows livestock producers and feed distributors to purchase and distribute animal feed containing certain antibiotics. VFDs are required for medically important antimicrobials in animal feed and must be issued within the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). The VFD authorizes the client to obtain and use the VFD feed only in accordance with FDA-approved conditions for use.
GlobalVetLink’s technology simplifies VFD creation by automatically presenting only FDA-compliant drug combinations and options. When you search for a VFD drug by company name, brand name, active ingredient, or indication, the platform displays legal options for indication of use, dosage, production class, combination products, and expiration dates. The system verifies the entire VFD for accuracy and compliance before signing, ensuring you can only select information that meets approved drug label requirements.
Yes, GlobalVetLink electronic VFDs are fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, which govern the use of electronic records and signatures. The platform uses secure cloud-based storage and PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) technology for digital signatures. When you sign a VFD, you must provide your username and password, and once signed, the document is locked from further alteration, ensuring authenticity and compliance with FDA data retention requirements.
A complete VFD must include: veterinarian’s name, address, and phone number; client’s name, address, and phone number; location of animals; species and production class; approximate number of animals; VFD drug name and its level in the feed; indication for use; duration of use; withdrawal time; expiration date; number of reorders (if applicable); and the veterinarian’s electronic or written signature. The expiration date specifies the last day VFD feed can be fed to the animals.
Veterinarians must retain the original VFD (electronic or paper) for two years from the date of issuance. Feed distributors must retain VFD orders for two years and maintain records of receipt and distribution of VFD feed for two years. Clients (animal owners/producers) must also retain their copy of the VFD for two years. All parties must make these records available for FDA inspection upon request.
Yes, VFDs can be transmitted to feed distributors via hardcopy, facsimile (fax), or other electronic means, including email. The veterinarian must send a copy to the distributor either directly or through the client. GlobalVetLink enables you to immediately email VFD copies to producers for record-keeping and to feed manufacturers for fulfillment, streamlining the distribution process while maintaining compliance.
GlobalVetLink’s built-in dosage calculator helps you determine the correct feed concentration in grams per ton. You can calculate using either Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) “as fed” or on a “dry matter basis.” Simply enter the estimated ADFI and, depending on the drug selected, the animal’s weight. The system calculates the appropriate dosage, which you can then use to automatically fill the g/ton field on your VFD. You can also share these calculations with the feed mill if they have a GVL account.
Yes, animal owners and producers can access their completed VFDs through their MyVetLink account, which provides 24/7 online access to view, download, and share certificates with feed distributors as needed. Feed distributors can also use GlobalVetLink to manage VFD fulfillment, distributor acknowledgment letters, and maintain all required records in a single, secure online account that meets FDA compliance requirements.
Yes, a veterinarian may write a VFD that covers animals in multiple locations (animal production facilities), provided they can do so in compliance with professional licensing and practice standards, the VFD feed is supplied to multiple locations by a single feed manufacturer/distributor, and all locations are specified on the VFD. This is particularly useful for production operations with multiple sites under the same ownership.
A valid VCPR is required to issue a VFD. The VCPR requirements are defined by your state veterinary practice act, provided it meets the FDA’s minimum standards: the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making clinical judgments about animal health, has sufficient knowledge of the animals through examination or facility visits, and is available for follow-up care. If your state VCPR doesn’t meet these standards, the federal VCPR definition applies. GlobalVetLink helps ensure VCPR compliance by requiring veterinarians to be properly licensed and accredited.
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