Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Sørensen (2004) found that the measures for prevention of certain diseases and the risk
factors for food contamination like
Salmonella
can be considered as premature. Trichinosis is
an example of a zoonotic helminth infection that may have a reservoir in wild pigs and foxes.
The risk that such an infection is introduced into outdoor organic pig herds is substantially
higher than in indoor production (Jensen and Baggesen 2005), likewise toxoplasmosis
(Kijlstra 2004). Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is now regarded as a probable
zoonosis. The disease was spread by recycling meat and bone meal made from infected sheep
or cattle as feed for livestock, and had originated in the early 1970s from a novel source,
possibly a cow or other animal that had developed the disease as a result of a genetic mutation
(Phillips
et
al
. 2000). Since BSE has been related to the consumption of bone meal, and this
has not always been prohibited in non-organic herds, there might be a risk of BSE in animals
that have been imported from conventional herds.
Biosecurity and risks connected to animal management
Certain production conditions present particular biosecurity risks. For example, where disease
incubation or weed dispersal are difficult to control such as in intensive dairy systems or hill
farming in the UK (Keatinge and Elliott 1997, van de Ven
et
al
. 2003), there will be a greater
likelihood of harmful organisms proliferating. The movement of animals between farms,
often over long distances, adds additional biosecurity and animal welfare concerns. In many
European countries animals for slaughter are transported from farms in remote areas to abat-
toirs, some of which are organically certified, or they are transported between farms and
grazing areas. When discussing the potential for development of organic production in areas
where this is not yet established, the export and import of animals, the transhumance and the
use of communal grazing areas should be profoundly analysed and managed in the context of
each specific region.
The NAHWOA Recommendations (Hovi 2004) call for the standards to give greater
emphasis to biosecurity. However, smaller f lock sizes, low stocking rates and access to outdoor
environments reduce the potential for other diseases associated with dense populations, high
levels of inputs, enclosed environments and restricted movement.
Conclusions and future perspecties
Several challenges exist in animal health for organic livestock production, both in established
organic farms and in areas where organic farming is developing. The prevalence of disease is
still critical in many organic farming systems, and sustainable ways of managing organic herds
still need further development.
One major challenge for a more global development of organic farming is to further infil-
trate the concept of 'alternative systems' into the many diverse existing farming systems. For
example, communal grazing is a way of livestock production commonly practiced in large
areas of the world, and this needs to be considered when converting to organic farming. It may
involve conversion on the 'communal level' rather than the farm level in some cases.
Many farming communities are extremely resource poor. Even though there might not be
a particular market for 'organic products' from or in these communities, organic practices still
may be relevant to support both environmental and economic sustainability of the area; this
may include using local resources and not relying on import of feed, drugs and animal breeds.
They may serve as local beacons for a sustainable development.
Disease management should be based on health promotion efforts and disease prevention
strategies. When disease occurs, rapid intervention using alternative strategies and disease
treatment methods if possible, is critical. Veterinary services and extension need to be 'con-
verted' to a much greater extent to support the organic approach to animal health and welfare.
