Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification Practice Exam

What written authorization must a producer obtain to administer antibiotics through feed?

1. Veterinary feed directive (VFD)

2. Animal care guideline

3. Medication usage form

4. Farm operation permit

The correct answer is: Farm operation permit

The correct response is the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). This written authorization is essential for producers who wish to administer antibiotics through livestock feed legally. The VFD is a specific type of prescription issued by a licensed veterinarian that allows for the therapeutic use of certain antibiotics in animal feed. It ensures that any use of antibiotics is safe, effective, and compliant with regulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In contrast, the other options do not fulfill the regulatory requirements for administering antibiotics through feed. Animal care guidelines focus more on general animal husbandry practices rather than specific medications. Medication usage forms could relate to record keeping but don’t serve as the authorization required for medicated feed. A farm operation permit generally deals with compliance and regulations for operating a farm rather than the specifics of veterinary prescriptions for medications. Thus, the VFD is necessary to ensure responsible and regulated use of antibiotics in livestock.