Center for Veterinary Medicine

Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a branch of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that regulates the manufacture and distribution of food additives and drugs that will be given to animals. These include animals from which human foods are derived, as well as food additives and drugs for pet (or companion animals) and minor species, including animals kept as pets.

History

The Center for Veterinary Medicine was established in 1984. Prior to this, the regulation of animal drugs and food additives was carried out by the Bureau of Veterinary Medicine.

Function

The CVM is responsible for ensuring that animal drugs and medicated feeds are safe and effective and that food from treated animals is safe to eat. In addition, the CVM regulates drugs, devices, and food additives given to, or used on, over one hundred million pets, several million head of livestock, and billions of poultry in the US.

Organization

The CVM is divided into several offices, including the Office of the Director, the Office of Management, and the Office of Surveillance and Compliance. Each office has a specific role in the regulation of animal drugs and food additives.

See also

• Veterinary medicine
• Food and Drug Administration
• Animal drug
• Food additives