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One change to AFBF’s policy on livestock and poultry health came about thanks to the perseverance of Indiana Farm Bureau members.

When the health of an animal is threatened, or suffering or death may result if the animal is untreated, veterinarians can prescribe a drug even if it isn’t labeled for that species or those symptoms, or if it’s labeled for use at a different dose or frequency. This is what is termed “extra-label use.”

This works, said veterinarian Marybeth Feutz, INFB District 9 director, but because the drugs haven’t been specifically tested for these particular circumstances, extra-label uses require extended withdrawal periods.

The new language adopted by AFBF delegates supports the “reduction of regulatory barriers to pharmaceutical companies to add additional options for use to the labels of medications used in animal health protection, treatment and pain relief.”

“This would make it easier to use drugs we know are safe and effective,” Feutz explained.

Through its grassroots policy process, INFB has suggested a similar change for the past two years, Feutz said, but the language previously died in the AFBF resolutions committee. This year, Feutz, in her role as INFB delegate, raised the issue on the delegate floor, where it was approved.