Changes to Organic Livestock Regulations

In December 2007 the USDA approved a number of medications that can now be used by organic livestock operations. The substances were previously reviewed and recommended by the National Organic Standards Board and had been published for public comment in the Federal Register.

Examples of the newly allowed synthetic substances include: atropine; butorphanal; flunixin; furosemide; magnesium hydroxide; peracetic acid; poloxalene; tolazoline; xylazine; and excipients used in livestock drugs.

Many of the substances listed above contain restrictions on their use or must be followed by extended withholding times. Check the restrictions or annotations that accompany the substance, as stated on the National List, before use. Make sure that the substance is listed on your Organic System Plan and keep records of all uses. If you have any doubts about the status of a particular brand or formulated product, check with your certifier before use.

The accompanying article, entitled, “Requirements for Organic Dairy and Livestock in the United States,” contains a detailed explanation of the revised organic livestock regulations, as well as the full list of synthetic substances allowed in organic livestock production.