Division 3.1.4.2 Veterinary treatments

With regard to veterinary treatments, the following rules shall apply:

1. (a)

   disease shall be treated immediately to avoid suffering to the animal. Chemically synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products, including antibiotics, may be used where necessary, under strict conditions and under the responsibility of a veterinarian, where the use of phytotherapeutic, homeopathic and other products is inappropriate. Where appropriate, restrictions with respect to courses of treatment and withdrawal periods shall be defined;

2. (b)

   treatments related to the protection of human and animal health imposed on the basis of Union legislation shall be allowed;

3. (c)

   when despite preventive measures to ensure animal health referred to in point 3.1.4.1 a health problem arises, veterinary treatments may be used in the following order of preference:

   1. (i)

      substances from plants, animals or minerals in a homoeopathic dilution;

   2. (ii)

      plants and their extracts not having anaesthetic effects; and

   3. (iii)

      substances such as trace elements, metals, natural immunostimulants or authorised probiotics;

4. (d)

   the use of allopathic treatments shall be limited to two courses of treatment per year, with the exception of vaccinations and compulsory eradication schemes. However, in the cases of a production cycle of less than a year, a limit of one allopathic treatment shall apply. Where the indicated limits for allopathic treatments are exceeded, the aquaculture animals concerned shall not be marketed as organic products;

5. (e)

   the use of parasite treatments, other than through compulsory control schemes operated by Member States, shall be limited to twice per year, or once per year where the production cycle is less than 18 months;

6. (f)

   the withdrawal period for allopathic veterinary treatments and parasite treatments in accordance with point (d), including treatments under compulsory control and eradication schemes, shall be twice the withdrawal period referred to in Article 11 of Directive 2001/82/EC or, where this period is not specified, 48 hours;

7. (g)

   any use of veterinary medicinal products shall be declared to the competent authority, or, where appropriate, to the control authority or control body, before the animals are marketed as organic products. Treated stock shall be clearly identifiable.