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Livestock
Tampering laws help maintain responsible food production at fairs
By Dr. Tony Forshey
State Veterinarian, Ohio Department of Agriculture
Summer marks the beginning of fair season – a time when thousands of
4-H youth all across the state showcase the animal projects they have
spent so much time perfecting.
As these hard working kids gear up to show their animals, I
want to encourage all exhibitors to be aware of livestock tampering
rules so they do not accidentally disqualify their market animal
projects.
Some key things to keep in mind as you prepare your animal for the show
ring:
• If an animal is sick, the exhibitor should contact the veterinarian.
• Prescription medications must be prescribed by a veterinarian for a
valid medical purpose.
• Extra-label use of any medication must be prescribed by a
veterinarian and have an extended withdrawal time.
• Over-the-counter drugs must be used according to label directions for
a valid medical purpose.
• Showing any livestock which has been administered a drug that exceeds
the tolerance level, or a drug for which the withdrawal period has not
elapsed, is prohibited.
Other prohibited practices include: exhibiting an animal which has been
tranquilized, making a false statement on a drug use notification form,
failing to file or update a drug use notification form, negligently
causing an unlawful substance to be present in an animal, or failing to
sign a chain of custody form.
If you have questions, calling the right person can make all the
difference. As the regulatory agency to ensure food safety and prevent
livestock tampering, we have seen instances in past years in which
livestock exhibitors unknowingly violated Ohio’s livestock tampering
laws. For example, if an exhibitor has a problem with their animal and
they call the breeder rather than their veterinarian, the well-meaning
breeder may inadvertently give the animal a medicine that would
disqualify them from competition. If you have a question or medical
concern about your animal, you should always call your veterinarian.
Consulting with your veterinarian can prevent an accidental
disqualification.
Drug residues and other signs of tampering not only pose food safety
concerns, they can provide an unfair competitive advantage over other
animals. In an effort to keep things safe and to level the playing
field for all animal exhibitors, the Ohio Department of Agriculture
will continue to strictly enforce livestock tampering rules this fair
season.
Animal exhibition is an important part of youth leadership development
and preparation for future food and livestock production. Lessons
learned in the show ring prepare youth to be the next generation of
successful, responsible food animal producers in our state. In addition
to providing us with necessities like food, milk, shelter, and even
fuel, food and agriculture provides one in seven people with jobs and
generates $105 billion to the economy. As our population continues to
grow, livestock exhibitors will become even more important in passing
our agricultural traditions to future generations and helping to
provide much needed food and agricultural
products.
As you make your final preparations to head into the show ring, I urge
all of our youth exhibitors to be aware of Ohio’s livestock tampering
laws and to be diligent in making sure your animal does not fall victim
to an accidental or intentional tampering.
For additional information or clarification, contact the Ohio
Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health at 614-728-6220.
I wish every one of our animal exhibitors a safe, exciting and
successful showing season.
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