Frequently Asked Questions about "Going Organic"
Do organic farmers use antibiotics, hormones or parasiticides on their animals?
In
the section describing animal health care (6.7), the Canadian Organic
Standard states that farmers are not allowed to use these medications
to prevent disease or sickness. However, medical treatment for sick or
injured animals should never be withheld just to keep the animal’s
organic status! There are a few special situations where these
medications are permitted for use on organic livestock. For antibiotics
and parasiticides, written instructions from a vet are needed that
identify the product to be used and the treatment method.
Antibiotics:
These may not be used for livestock that is to be sold as organic meat
or for poultry that produces organic eggs. Dairy animals (cows, sheep
or goats) may be treated with antibiotics in an emergency situation.
The milk cannot be sold as organic for thirty days after the treatment,
or for twice the withdrawal period listed on the medication’s label,
whichever is longer. Also, the animal can only receive two treatments
of antibiotics and/or parasite control in a year; if more medication
than this is required, then the cow must go back into a one year
transition period after treatment ceases. If beehives are treated
with antibiotics, they must be isolated from organic beehives and
undergo a transition period of one year. All wax in the hive must be
replaced.
Hormones: Hormonal
treatment can only be used for sick animals under veterinary
supervision. Hormones can never be used as growth promoters. There are
some hormones listed on the Permitted Substances List (for example,
oxytocin is permitted after birthing). If hormones not on the PSL are
used, then meat from these animals can never be sold as organic.
Parasiticides:
Organic farmers need to have a separate parasite management plan that
details how they will minimize parasite problems. Synthetic
parasiticides or anthelmintics can be used as a last-resort option.
Before treating their animals, farmers must confirm that there is a
serious problem - either by testing fecal samples or by observation of
the condition of the animal.
- Meat animals: only one
treatment is allowed for young animals (under one year old); older
animals can only receive two treatments total in their lifetime.
- Dairy
animals can receive two treatments total of antibiotics and/or parasite
control per year; if more than this is given, they are placed back into
a one year transition period.
- Laying hens may receive one treatment per year; any more than this and they will not be considered organic.
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