RAPS: FDA Finalizes Policy Meant to Limit Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a long-anticipated final rule meant to limit the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals in order to limit the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The rule, known as the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), has been amended to require veterinary antibiotics to be prescribed by a veterinarian \"within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR),\" FDA explained in an accompanying press statement. Previously, such drugs were available over-the-counter (OTC).