Few US veterinarians trained not to use antibiotics (Associated Press)

By MICHAEL J. CRUMB, Associated Press – 4 days ago

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The lack of chemicals used in organic production has created a challenge for farmers in caring for their animals: Few veterinarians are trained to treat livestock without antibiotics or other modern drugs.

The shortage of veterinarians trained in organic practices has become more noticeable as the industry has boomed. There were about 3,350 organic livestock farms in 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which counted segments of the organic industry for the first time that year and plans another count this year. The U.S. had 14,540 organic farms of all kinds in 2007, up more than 20 percent from 2002.

While no one tracks the number of veterinarians who treat organic livestock, experts agree it’s a relatively small number nationwide. That’s partly because organic agriculture, despite its growth, still accounts for relatively few farms.

“Unless you live in certain parts of the country, it is very much a niche market,” said Gatz Riddell, a veterinarian and executive vice president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners based in Auburn, Ala. “Only a minority of members have the mindset to work with organic producers because the vast majority is conventional production.” …

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