Issue 1

When does Best Practices apply?

The guidelines of this program apply to the prescription of drugs (including extra-label use of OTC drugs) that will be administered when the prescribing veterinarian has not personally examined the animals. Prescription of drugs for this use will be done under a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship. Due to the wide range of dairy herd sizes, management practices, record keeping systems and management abilities, not all dairy farms will qualify for a valid Veterinary-Patient-Client-Relationship that is necessary to prescribe drugs for lay use on the dairy without prior veterinary examination of the ill animals.

Best Practices guidelines are not intended to apply to situations where the practitioner is on the farm and administers a drug directly to an animal or dispenses drugs while on the farm for treatment of a specific group of animals that have been examined.