Land grant universities are looking to gain information on the impacts of VFD regulation through an electronic survey.
Starting Jan. 1, 2017, the distribution of antibiotics in animal agriculture went through a major overhaul as the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules were implemented. These changes affected farmers and ranchers of all sizes. Farms needed to incorporate changes to help them adapt to the new rules and regulations. Various land-grant universities have partnered to look at the effect the implemented the VFD regulation had on livestock production. To do this they are asking that all livestock producers take the time to respond to a nationwide survey to help determine if VFD rules have impacted animal health, use of antibiotics in animal feed or had an economic impact on farms.
In order to gain a better understanding of how these changes have affected livestock production, educators, specialists, and Extension personnel at Michigan State University and other land grant universities compiled an electronic survey that poses questions regarding the financial and management impacts of VFD regulations. Questions regarding herd and flock health, changes to production practices, health/veterinary costs, total antibiotic use on the farm, and the need for further education or programming on any topic regarding the VFD regulation are included in the survey.
Farmers of any size who raise food animals are being asked to respond to this nationwide survey regarding the implementation of VFD regulation. The VFD survey is completely anonymous and can be taken online.
If livestock producers do not wish to communicate electronically they can receive a paper survey by contacting MSU Extension educator Beth Ferry by phone at 269-876-2745, email at franzeli@msu.edu or by mail at 1737 Hillandale Road Benton Harbor, MI 49022.
The information compiled from the survey responses will help university extension personnel better understand the effect of VFD regulations for livestock producers and assist with targeting educational and programing needs of farmers. — WLJ
