1.5 Animal Drugs
Livestock Tampering at Exhibitions — Livestock tampering and the use of illegal drugs at exhibitions around the nation have become prevalent. Some states have passed laws or have considered legislation making it a felony to administer illegal or unapproved drugs to livestock, or otherwise illegally tamper with livestock before or during exhibition. Valid tests have been developed to detect the use of drugs in livestock exhibitions.
Several implications exist if action is not taken on this issue. First, public safety and health issues exist regarding the wholesomeness of meat and dairy products. Second, the use of illegal, unapproved, or offlabel drugs in exhibition livestock jeopardizes consumer confidence in the safety of meat and the integrity of our inspection system. And, third, the “win at all cost” attitude of some exhibitors and fitters encourages unethical practices.
NASDA denounces tampering and other unethical practices at livestock exhibitions and encourages states to aggressively survey and test, including ultrasound at exhibitions to ensure that food safety, consumer confidence and ethical standards are upheld. The federal government should provide aid in combating the administration of illegal drugs to exhibition livestock. Further, a national code of conduct/practices for showing exhibition livestock should be developed by the National Association of Agricultural Fair Agencies.