Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) has introduced H.R. 5140, the “VFD Repeal Act, “ that would stop the Veterinary Feed Directive from going into effect on Jan. 1.

Smith says he heard numerous complaints from farmers during his recent Congressional tour regarding the new requirements. The final rule by the Food and Drug Administration requires a VFD for all medically important antibiotics (those important in human health) that are administered in feed and also a veterinary prescription for all medically important antibiotics used in water.

The VFD is part of FDA’s overall strategy to ensure the judicious use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals.