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Health
What is the role of the veterinary practitioner in the conversion planning process?
Ideally the veterinary practitioner should work in partnership with the farmer during and after conversion to develop and operate an organic livestock system which conforms to the standards.
What do the standards specify should be the basis of disease prevention in organic livestock production?
Disease prevention in organic livestock production should be based on the following principles:
What do the standards specify with the regard to the use of complementary therapies?
Complementary therapies such as homeopathic or herbal remedies should be used in preference to chemically synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products or antibiotics, provided that their therapeutic effect is effective for the species of animal, and the condition for which the treatment is intended.
What records must be kept when veterinary medicinal products have been used?
Whenever veterinary medicinal products have been used the following records must be kept:
What do the standards specify with regard to withdrawal periods for conventional veterinary medicines?
Twice the legal withdrawal period (three times for the Soil Association), or in the case where this period is not specified, or if given a zero, 48 hours.
Is the use of vaccines permitted?
Yes, vaccines are permitted where there is a known farm problem, but a targeted approach should be used (i.e.
Is the use of hormones permitted?
Hormones may be used on individual animals for therapeutic purposes.
What do the standards recommend for the control of intestinal parasitic worms?
The control of intestinal worms must be achieved primarily by good livestock management practices and where appropriate, optimum stocking rates, clean grazing systems and mixed stocking.
Is routine use of anthelmintic for control of internal parasitic worms permitted?
The use of anthlemintics on a routine basis is restricted.
Do the standards declare a preference between different types of anthelmintic?
Worming treatments that leave residues in the faeces and which interfere with the normal breakdown of the dung or damage to the flora or fauna (Avermectin based products) are prohibited.
Can milk from dairy cows, which have been treated with antibiotics, be fed to calves?
Yes, after the expiry of the end of the manufacturer’s stated withdrawal period.