Organic Animals aren’t Vaccinated: Organic Myth Part 3

One question we get asked often when we give farm tours is if our animals are vaccinated. At first this might seem like an odd question, but I can always tell where it is coming from. In holistic minded circles vaccinations for children are given a very critical eye. In addition, to some vaccinations seem unnatural. Also, there is the concern that most vaccines are made with gene manipulation.

organic animal care, facts, rules, myths, vaccines, vaccinations

 

Vaccines are allowed by the National Organic Program. You can also read the entire background for the rule here.

For us vaccinations are our first round of defense. We would rather prevent illness and disease instead of having to treat it. A vaccine is a biological preparation that creates immunity to a particular disease. What that means is that vaccines are made up of a weakened or killed form a microbe. This preps their immune system to fight off the full blown disease.

We vaccinate our calves for common diseases, many of which can cause very high mortality rates, but are easy to defend against with vaccines. We also vaccinate our heifers (teenagers) and then we vaccinate again when our are cows pregnant. Vaccinating pregnant cows is very important because their calves get their immune “knowledge” from their mothers. We want our calves to have as strong an immune system as possible so they don’t get sick.

For our organic farm, vaccines are just one tool in the toolbox to prevent disease and illness.

So are vaccines perfectly organic? They may not be in some eyes, but to us as farmers they are the best way to allow our animals a healthy and natural life.

There you have it organic animals can be vaccinated; another organic myth solved.

Please let us know if you have any questions. We would love to answer them!

~Emily

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By Zweber Farms | November 9, 2012 | Calves and Heifers, Farming, Organics, Raising Animals |

25 thoughts on “Organic Animals aren’t Vaccinated: Organic Myth Part 3”

    1. Zweber Farms Post author

      There has been great debate in the organic community about vaccines. Most vaccines are made through gene manipulation. At this point there just isn’t enough research on “organic” vaccines. So it is rule that stays in place and we are glad for it.

      1. Naomi Bina Eisenberg

        If you read James Herriots books about what it was like to be a farm vet in the 1930’s you’ll see how ineffective homeopathic remedies were. That’s all they had and sadly people’s entire livelihood were ruined because there were no vaccines available to prevent mass heard infection.

  3. dgitallblog

    It is good to see that organic dairies follow this sound practice. Sure, vaccines aren’t perfect but the devastation prevented to not only your herd but herds across the state from some highly contagious diseases is way too important to not do it. I’m saddened whenever I hear about people not giving human babies their vaccinations not just because of the threat to them but to all of us.

    1. Christopher

      It is not a sound practice and you should be saddened when people do give their children vaccinations. It is unkind to them.

  6. Deirdre Alderfer

    Just wondering if you also vaccinate our pigs? And, if so, with which vaccinations?

  7. Christopher

    Prevention does not have to come in the form of injected small “dead” amounts of the the disease into animals. If you look at the history of vaccines you will see that it CLEARLY shows that there is no good fruit from vaccines themselves. Injecting death into your body or an animal’s body does not produce life or help. Your body or an animal’s body may certainly use good things to destroy the disease, but it is the good things from your body that do this not the actual disease and there is a chance the animal may even develop a disease and die. Your logic is unsound. It reminds me of a specific Scripture in Romans Chapter 3 verse 8 that says this “Why not say–as some slanderously claim that we say–“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!” New International Version (Registered Trademark). This is you, the person who wrote this article. However, it is not you who is suffering, but these vulnerable animals you have subjected this too. Do I believe there is hope for you to see the truth in this? Absolutely. And ultimately it is your choice whether to choose life or death in this situation and many other areas of your life. You will be held accountable to God for your choices about even this. And my God is not a God who shoves things under the rug. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 (New International Version) He will hold you accountable for this and does care about what you are doing. This affects you, your animals, and all those that consume them. You are held responsible, even if those in authority over you are not holding you responsible. I say this because I care and God cares about the person who wrote this article and people who are affected by this choice by eating the products that come from the animals or eating the animals themselves and those who read this article. What we do matters and we better do critical thinking before we make choices like the writer of this article and people on this farm have. This issue should be very alarming to people. It causes and promotes death and disease. Vaccines do not prevent death itself. It is a complete lie, uttered by the Liar (Satan), the enemy of our souls, himself. We can prevent diseases by having regard for animals, giving them good living conditions, healthy food, lots of sunshine, and following God’s commands on how we should do all of this that He has given us. I hope that all people choose to stand for the truth in this, because what this person wrote was demonically inspired. People’s concerns about this issue, GMO’s, pesticides, etc. are valid and should be affirmed, not ignored, shoved down, or outright attacked. The way we are now living is not sustainable, logical, helpful, life-giving, or good. We need to have stricter standards and enforce the penalty when the standards have been violated. Regardless, there are consequences for these choices we are making now, whether good or bad. I believe we can wake up before even more suffering occurs. It is already very bad as it is.

    -Christopher

    1. Zweber Farms Post author

      Thank you for your comment Christopher. I appreciate that you read my blog post. I think we will have to respectfully disagree on this one. Our God is big, wonderful, and all loving. As a steward of this creations, it is my duty to make sure his creatures are cared for to the best of our ability. This is one area that we feel gives our animals the best care to a long, healthy life. I will continue to pray about the issue.
      I also wanted to let you know that I have a policy that I will delete any comments that personally attack anyone on our farm. We are open to discussions and different points of view, but attacking someone and calling satan is not acceptable. If this discussion continues in this manner, your comments will be deleted. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless!

    2. Heather

      Christopher,
      I am a Christian, saved by the blood of Christ. I too do not believe in vaccines. God revealed things to me where my son is concerned. I once also felt like I needed to share my opinion with everyone where it wasnt warented. I have been learning a great deal lately about the love we are to have for one another. As we may have strong convictions for our lives, these are not the convictions of others. When we throw out scripture references to prove a point, we have to check ourselves and ask, what are my motives, did what I read offend me and had to prove a point? If we go on the attack for our beliefs, no one will come to Christ. But to be loving, kind and respect others even if we dont agree with them is how we should conduct ourselves. I love hearing scripture but even I dont want to see scripture if its used for someones own will and not Gods. God is our defender. He doesnt need us to defend Him. He is in control and if He so chooses to change the hearts of others to believe what we believe, then He certainly will. But let God work in that area. Just love others to Him. Its works so much better I promise.
      With love
      Heather

  8. Craig

    I have no problem with vaccines. How do you treat an animal that has a full blown infection of antibiotics are off the table?

  9. Joan Allen

    If vaccines ingredients for chickens are the same as they are for humans then that is not good news oh dear read about vaccination ingredients people not good for anyone or anything research and research all the facts

  10. Russ Spall

    Have you ever titre tested to see if the cows need revaccination? Once they have immunity, they should retain it.

  11. M MH

    I used to be opposed to vaccinations…..until my whole flock got ill. No amount of garlic water or dried chillies or ACV, helped. I will be vaccinating from now on. Thank you for this article, it put my mind at ease.

    P.S I thought your answer to Christopher was beautiful…I also learnt from it….Thank You!

    [Proverbs 17:22
    “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones”]

  12. Alice Rivera

    Yes it is unfortunate that this is allowed as it is impossible for us who are sick and need clean meat to heal that we can not access it. Vaccines in meats have proven to cause many symptoms and can lead to disease down the road. May be another reason besides grain free meats that so many vegans feel better initially. However I am a carnivore due to health reasons and have been lucky enough to find a local members only farm who does not administer vaccines. Their meat is pure and clean nutrition and when I eat any other meats now even those organic and 100% grassfed I instantly feel symptoms coming back.

  13. Chezron

    I am so disappointed you vaccinate. I would rather you do extra measures to foster natural health. Vaccines harm, and I certainly don’t want mercury and aluminum (two common additives in vaccines) in my meat.