FDA and the Veterinarian

To the Veterinarian:

The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) helps to ensure the safety of the food supply and assists in providing for the health care needs of animals through the approval and post-approval monitoring of safe and effective animal drugs, medical devices for animals, and oversight of animal feeds. Veterinarians also help to ensure food safety and provide for the health care needs of animals through appropriate and responsible use of FDA-regulated products. Because of the similarities of mission between FDA and veterinarians, this booklet was written to provide a source of information on CVM activities which may be of interest to veterinarians. Our success at CVM depends on the knowledge, abilities and ethics of veterinarians to use FDA-regulated products responsibly within their practice. We hope this booklet will serve as a catalyst for greater communication between CVM and the veterinary profession.

Bernadette M. Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine