VFD's and Rx for Bees

Beekeepers are now only able to use antibiotics by working with a veterinarian. In the past, if a beekeeper needed an antibiotic for their colonies, they could purchase them over the counter at a farm store or a beekeeping supply company. This process has changed, and new regulation (Rule #213) requires that antibiotics for honey bees and other food producing livestock be available only through a prescription or through a veterinary feed directive (VFD) order from a veterinarian.  If you are a beekeeper, and you need antibiotics to treat a disease in your colony, you will have to do the following: 

  1. Set up and maintain a valid veterinarian-client- patient relationship (VCPR) with a licensed veterinarian,
  2. Have the veterinarian issue a prescription or a VFD order, and
  3. Prescription drugs can only be obtain from a pharmacy and veterinarians. VFD's can only be obtained from licensed medicated feed mills or licensed dealers.

Generic VFD Form

FDA Compliance Policy Guide (CPG Sec 615.115) on Extralabel Use of Medicated Feeds in Minor Species


Frequently Asked Questions

 Questions and answers by Bee Culture Magazine regarding FDA's new antibiotic regulations.