Austria confirms primary use of homeopathic products on organic farms

On 18 October, the Austrian National Council adopted a new government proposal to introduce its own Veterinary Medicines Act (TAMG), based on EU requirements. This means that veterinary medicines will in future be regulated by their own law. The new law recognises that antibiotic resistance is a problem worldwide. Both animals and humans are at risk, so the new law corresponds to a “One Health approach”. It intends to ensure the quality and safety of veterinary medicines and to introduce control of veterinary drug use and drug use on animals. In particular, it is intended to better regulate the use of antibiotics in farm animals.

The new Act now allows the Austrians to fulfil the requirement of EU Regulation 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products, which determines primary use of homeopathic and phytotherapeutic products in organic farms. The regulation, in force since 2018, puts importance on optimal use of antibiotics and requires the use of homeopathy and phytotherapy in organic farms in preference to treatment with chemically synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products, including antibiotics. It requires integrative medicine (conventional medicine supplemented by complementary medicine) to be given preference whenever possible. The use of conventional medicines including antibiotics is also permitted if necessary, to avoid animal suffering and must be administered under the responsibility of a vet, when treatment with phytotherapeutic, homeopathic or other remedies is inappropriate.

For further information

• National Council passes law for veterinary medicines
• EU Regulation 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products