The following position statement is provided for historical purposes only.

The current AASV Position Statement on Raising Pigs without Antibiotics was approved by the Board of Directors on April 21, 2022. The previous version of the position is below:

AASV Position Statement: Raising Pigs without Antibiotics

Any pork production system that is marketing pigs raised without the use of antibiotics should closely involve veterinarians in the management of herd health. If a pig is sick, or is at risk of getting sick, it is our responsibility as swine veterinarians to prevent or treat illness in a judicious manner to maintain animal health and welfare. Farmers should have an alternative marketing plan in place for pigs that need to be treated with an antibiotic.^1,2 It is important that the decision to treat or euthanize is made in a timely manner so as to minimize the pig's pain or distress.

¹If an animal has been treated with antibiotics and proper withdrawal times are followed, the meat is safe for consumption.

²Marketing programs should not prevent a farmer from treating or preventing illness.

Approved by the AASV Board of Directors on March 21, 2016
Reaffirmed by the AASV Board of Directors of April 10, 2019