- USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking comment
on a proposed rule that would expand by eight the number of allowable substances
used in treating livestock under the National Organic Program.
-
- Among the additions:
-
- * Atropine: Used as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning,
usually the result of exposure to pesticides. Atropine is an extract from
the plant atropa belladonna. The NOP consulted with both EPA and FDA about
the appropriateness of use of atropine and received approval.
-
- * Bismuth subsalicyate: Used as an absorbant, anti-diarrhea
drug, as well as for relief from stomach ulcers. FDA advised NOP that bismuth
is approved for use in humans and could be approved for use in livestock.
-
- * Butorphanol: Used as painkiller prior to surgery. This
is in a class called opiate agonists, and is similar to morphine or fentanyl.
It is a significant aid in pain relief, but wears off quickly. The National
Organic Standards Board recommended use in organic livestock production,
but specified that the period between last use and either slaughter or
sale of milk be twice as long as recommended by FDA. USDA does not believe
that extension of the withdrawal period is necessary.
-
- * Flunixin: Used in the treatment of inflammation or
pyrexia. Flunixin is non-narcotic and non-steroidal. It is a synthetic
drug which breaks down quickly and is removed from the body in urine. Again,
NOSB recommended a withdrawal period twice the length required by FDA,
and USDA disagreed.
-
- * Furosemide: Used for treatment of udder and pulmonary
edema. It is a diuretic. Again, NOSB accepted the drug but requested an
extended withdrawal period. USDA, again, disagreed on the necessity for
such an extension.
-
- * Magnesium hydroxide: For use as an antacid and laxative
for use in treatment of upset stomach and constipation. This is a naturally
occurring mineral.
-
- * Peroxyacetic/paracetic acid: Used for facility and
processing equipment sanitation and as a topical disinfectant on animals
and meat and dairy products. Approved by FDA as an indirect food additive.
-
- * Poloxalene: For treatment of bloat in cattle, it is
a stool softener, and can be used in emergency situations or as a preventative
as an addition to feed. It is synthetic. NOSB recommended that it be approved
only for emergency treatments; USDA wants it to be used for preventative
care as well.
-
- Comments must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2006.
-
- They may be mailed to Arthur Neal, Director of Program
Administration
- National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP
- 1400 Independence Ave., SW
- Room4008-So., Ag Stop 0268
- Washington, DC 20250
- Fax 202-205-7808
-
- Patricia A. Doyle DVM, PhD
- Bus Admin, Tropical Agricultural Economics
- Univ of West Indies
-
- Please visit my "Emerging Diseases" message
board at:
- http://www.emergingdisease.org/phpbb/index.php
- Also my new website:
- http://drpdoyle.tripod.com/
- Zhan le Devlesa tai sastimasa
- Go with God and in Good Health
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