Starting January 1, 2017, the use of feed additive antibiotics will be changed forever! Scientists have been recommending this change for many years as the misuse and overuse of antibiotics has led to a decrease in their effectiveness. Some common antibiotic misconceptions and subsequent consequences are: Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Viruses are the [...]
One animal health expert summed up the options livestock producers, ranchers and integrated food operations have, now that the FDA’s Veterinary Feed Directive restricts sales and purchases of antibiotics over the counter. Aidan Connolly, chief innovation officer for Alltech, offered three choices: Simply do nothing. Replace antibiotics with gut health programs. Take a holistic approach. [...]
Will New Administration Try to Mitigate Rules on Antibiotics Usage in Food Animal Production? The short answer: probably not. Furthermore, dealers shouldn’t change their preparations to comply with the new rules governing the judicious use of antibiotics in food animal production, as we have been stressing for more than a year in ProfitBuilder. President Obama [...]
The cattle industry loses about $3 billion each year in lost weight gains, poor feed conversion and increased disease because of internal parasites, says Mark Alley, DVM, Managing Veterinarian at Zoetis, in a recent report. With the financial impact and animal welfare concerns for cattle operations, he adds, it is important for producers to understand [...]
It’s that time of year again. My wife says, “Should we hatch chicks again this year?” This is an opportunity she discovered over 10 years ago when our oldest was still in preschool. Now she’s in high school and driving. But I have 4 daughters and the youngest has taken over the helm of the [...]
You didn’t think it would actually happen, did you? The rumors of a last-minute delay... or outright reversal of changes in how we treat animals with antibiotics... Didn't happen. Gone are the use of these compounds for growth promotion and the increase in feed efficacy in livestock feeds. Gone are the use of feed additives for anything [...]
As the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) implementation deadline approaches, Durvet offers a central resource for “all things VFD”. We hope it’s helpful to you and your customers. Click on any of the links below for more information. […]
Whether you’re involved with livestock production or farming, it’s been harsh. Prices this year have been depressed throughout the year for most segments. Cattle prices have been cut almost in half compared to what they were in 2013. Hog prices have fallen from record highs in 2014 to their lowest levels since 2009. Corn and [...]
Here is an informational graphic that illustrates the timeline for January 1, 2017, OTC to Script & VFD transition in the animal health industry. Click here to download a PDF or click the image itself.
When you walk into the local feed store after the first of the year, many will be surprised to find out what is no longer available to use for controlling diseases in farm animals. When I talk to people that have a have a few chickens, some pigs or a goat hanging around, they tell [...]
