Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
five
Section 205.238 of the National Organic Program Final Rule (see
appendix 7
for the complete
rule) states that the producer must establish and maintain preventative livestock health-care
practices, including:
1. Selection of species and types of livestock with regard to suitability for site-specific conditions
and resistance to prevalent diseases and parasites;
2. Provision of a feed ration sufficient to meet nutritional requirements, including vitamins, miner-
als, protein and/or amino acids, fatty acids, energy sources and fiber (ruminants);
3. Establishment of appropriate housing, pasture conditions and sanitation practices to minimize the
occurrence and spread of diseases and parasites;
4. Provision of conditions which allow for exercise, freedom of movement and reduction of stress
appropriate to the species;
5. Performance of alterations as needed to promote the animal's welfare and in a manner that minim-
izes pain and stress; and
6. Administration of vaccines and other veterinary biologics.
Organic poultry health care is based primarily in prevention, and this manual has already
covered most of the above aspects. However, since organic poultry growers generally regard
the perceived need for “alterations” like debeaking or beak trimming as symptoms of a problem
rather than preventative measures, it will not be covered here as a part of health care. Another
issue that the U.S. standards fail to recognize is the development of a bird's natural immunity
and its ability to partially manage its own health care if provided with the means to do so. Or-
ganic poultry health care is a holistic affair that recognizes health as a state of equilibrium
among many factors, not least of which is the human factor. The holistic approach must start
with the farmer. The following list of guiding principles for maintaining poultry health is adap-
ted from Taylor Hyde:
1. Adjust your attitude; think and feel that
you
are the cause of all disease in your flock. This pre-
vents “attitudeosis”—nothing changes until your attitude does.
2. Put poultry only in places where you would want to be. This will prevent stress and immune sys-
tem suppression.
3. Offer only water you would drink. This prevents dehydration and the spreading of germs.
