Are You Ready For Guidance For Industry GFI 263?

The FDA’s five-year action plan includes the GFI 263 which supports antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine and was started back in September 2018. 

Products that fall under this action of over the counter (OTC) medically important antimicrobials, are not being removed from the market but rather are being brought under the oversight of licensed veterinarians as prescriptions (Rx).

According to Erika Nagorkse, a practicing veterinarian with Southwest Veterinary Services™,

“The GFI 263 guidance is pushing for more veterinary oversight and increased scrutiny on antibiotic use - which might feel bad initially but it is a good thing for the industry long term. This could affect operations since products won't be readily available without a veterinary relationship.”

What You Need to Know

Producers will need a valid VCPR (Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship) to BUY and USE medically important antimicrobials that are currently available OTC.

Dates to Remember

The guidance will go into effect on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

Be Prepared

Establish a VCPR with a vet early. A script will be needed to purchase certain products after June 11th, 2023.

Affected Products

Products that will affected include:

• Penicillins

• Oxytetracyclines

• Sula-based antibiotics

• Tylosin

• Lincomycin

• Gentamycin

Veterinary Consult

“With the upcoming changes to over the counter (OTC) veterinary products I am having lots of educational conversations with livestock producers. Many of our producers are doing the right thing already, this rule will solidify the communication between veterinarians and their clients to make decisions about management, disease control, and antibiotic use on their farms,” said Brian Dorcey, FBN^®’s Head of Veterinary Strategy.

A veterinary consult package can help you design an animal health strategy unique to your ranch. FBN’s team of partner and affiliate veterinarians are independent and unbiased putting Farmers First®️ in every recommendation so you can optimize your operation for return on investment and sustainable profitability. Here’s what to expect when from a veterinary consult:

Herd Letter

Documentation from the veterinarian with an analysis of the operation and opportunities to fine tune animal health practices.

Customized Protocols

Written recommendation on which animal health products to use and proper usage of those

products. Written protocols can be shared with other people participating in the operation.

Telephone support

With the veterinarian for 1 year. 

Prescriptions and VFDs

Inclusive of prescriptions and veterinary feed directives (VFD) to use with the suppliers of your

choosing. The in-person visit and establishment of the Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) enables the veterinarian to write prescriptions.

Shop Animal Health Products

We can work with your Vet! Submit your order on the online store and our pharmacy team will reach out to you to gather your veterinarian’s information (name and phone number) to collect a prescription over the phone.

Visit the FBN Animal Health store for all of the animal health products you need.

© 2014 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network, Inc. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, “Farmers Business Network” and “FBN” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. Products sold or distributed through FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by FBN Inputs, LLC and are available only in states where FBN Inputs, LLC is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. If applicable, please check with your local extension service to ensure registration status. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Veterinary consults and other veterinary services are not provided by FBN Inputs, LLC, but are provided by its independent veterinary partners.