Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification Practice Exam

What is the written order a producer must acquire before administering antibiotics through food additives to a herd?

1. Veterinary prescription

2. Expanded drug use protocol

3. Animal health management plan

4. Veterinary feed directive (VFD)

The correct answer is: Veterinary feed directive (VFD)

The requirement for a written order before administering antibiotics through food additives to livestock is governed by the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). This directive is a regulatory framework established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the responsible use of antibiotics in animal agriculture. It requires that producers obtain a VFD from a licensed veterinarian, which specifies the prescription for the antibiotics to be used and outlines the conditions for their administration. This system is in place to promote the judicious use of antimicrobials and to safeguard animal health while also addressing public health concerns related to antibiotic resistance. The VFD serves as an important tool for veterinarians to provide oversight in the use of antibiotics and helps ensure that they are used only when necessary and appropriate for the health of the animals. While veterinary prescriptions, expanded drug use protocols, and animal health management plans all play important roles in animal health and medication management, the specific requirement for antibiotics administered through food additives is encapsulated in the VFD. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the regulatory requirement in this context.