Minnesota Beef Council
The primary responsibility for the BQA program in Minnesota rests with the Minnesota Beef Council. The implementation of the BQA program is a cooperative effort between industry partners including the Midwest Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Center, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the University of Minnesota Extension Service, the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association (MSCA) and your local veterinarian. Beef producer investments in the Beef Checkoff are the primary source of funds used to support the Minnesota Beef Quality Assurance program.
Veterinarian / Client /
Patient Relationship
A valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship (VCPR) is a key component of a Beef Quality Assurance Certification Program.
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship as follows: “An appropriate veterinarian / client / patient relationship will exist when: 1. The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or other caretaker) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian; 2. There is sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s). This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal(s) by virtue of an examination of the animal(s) and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept; and when 3. The practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy.
A valid VCPR is mandatory if drugs are to be used in an “extra-label” manner on your farm. You need the benefit of a valid VCPR to make sure you are following the veterinarian’s instructions properly. In some programs the decisions are made by a variety of individuals, the producer, the feed supplier or the neighbor. Having many people involved can easily lead to milk and meat residue problems.
The second part of a valid VCPR emphasizes the word “valid.” Much of this responsibility is on your veterinarian. He or she must visit your facilities regularly to see and be personally acquainted with your animal care.
The third part of the VCPR is commitment on
your veterinarian’s part. It is important that the veterinarian is available
to follow up in cases of adverse reactions or failures of the regimen
therapy.
Please note the
Veterinary/Client/Patient Relationships
Validation Form.