Dear Sir,
I write in regard to the ethicist’s commentary on the ethical question concerning the dairy farmer who requested antibiotics to treat mastitis in a cow that was meant to produce organically certified milk (Can Vet J 2006;47:1062). In principle, I agree that an animal that is suffering from a treatable condition should indeed receive the proper treatment to alleviate any pain or suffering, regardless of whether that animal is part of an organic or a conventional farming practice. However, I object to the statements, “Nowhere can one find an argument that the veterinarian has a strong (or indeed any) obligation to an organic certification program he does not personally believe in! ... As far as I am concerned, the veterinarian has more than done his duty if he reminds the client of his commitment to standards to which he has no intention of adhering.”
The problem with these statements is that they present the view of the veterinarian as being mutually exclusive to the viewpoint of organic practices. I would argue that we, as veterinarians, are, or should be, working towards the same goal. The veterinarian has an obligation to treat the animal in question, to inform the producer of withdrawal periods, and according to the standards of practice, not to dispense medication for any other cases that he has not personally seen, as each prescription requires a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics may be responsible for microbial resistance and food residue problems that the public is becoming increasingly aware of. This is why organic practices and food safety certification programs are increasingly finding favor among consumers.
Veterinarians working in large animal practices have an obligation to individual animals, food safety, and public health. I argue that every veterinarian needs to “believe in” better methods of management that reduce the input of antibiotics, growth promotants, etc.; increase the welfare of individual animals; and provide a safe, healthy product that consumers can believe in. Ironically, this is also what the organic movement is hoping to accomplish.