Md. Code Regs. 15.22.04.09

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 15.22.04.09 - Disease and Pest Management

A. For animals to be considered "organically produced," the organic producer shall implement an organic disease and pest management program. A producer may not use the term "certified organic" unless the producer has an organic disease and pest management program approved by the Department.

B. The required organic disease and pest management program shall emphasize prevention, and shall include strategies for disease prevention and treatment and for parasite control. Organic animal producers shall market only healthy animals and animal products, and may not deny treatment to an animal so it may be labeled or sold as certified organic.

C. Approved disease and pest management materials and practices include:

(1) Botanical insecticides for external parasite control and for fly management, only if labeled for such use;

(2) Homeopathic, naturopathic, and herbal remedies;

(3) Iodine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, copper sulfate, lime, lye, alkali carbonate, caustic potash, bleach, and potassium permanganate, used as disinfectants or cleaners, or both;

(4) Vaccinations against endemic disease, including coccidiosis vaccination (poultry);

(5) Sodium hypochlorite (bleach), used on machinery and facilities;

(6) Steam-sterilized equipment;

(7) Pasture rotation; and

(8) Quarantine of ill animals and new animals on the farm.

D. Animal Drugs.

(1) Animal drugs are restricted to breeder stock and to substances approved in §C of this regulation.

(2) Slaughter stock on whom animal drugs or any prohibited materials have been used shall be diverted into the conventional market, and may not be represented or marketed as "certified organic".

(3) Synthetic antibiotics are permitted in the following situations:

(a) For medical emergencies where alternatives are not yet available;

(b) To save an animal's life; or

(c) To prevent unnecessary suffering.

(4) Synthetic parasiticides are permitted only when fecal or skin testing demonstrates their need, as recommended by a licensed veterinarian.

E. Applications of animal drugs shall occur within the context of a valid veterinarian-client relationship. Use of animal drugs requires justification for each use in the annual farm plan. Materials without withdrawal times are given preference. Use of any treatment not recognized by these regulations requires strict individual records on the treated animal, flock, school, or group of animals, and strict adherence to doubling the withdrawal times, as stated on the product label, and as defined by the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Md. Code Regs. 15.22.04.09