Veterinarians and farmers in Europe face strict regulations on complementary medicine use, including phytotherapy and acupuncture, to ensure safety and compliance.
Regulatory framework for complementary veterinary practices
Veterinary practices involving complementary medicine, such as phytotherapy and acupuncture, are governed by a complex set of European and national regulations. These rules determine which substances can be used, how they are administered, and under what conditions.Legal texts for complementary foods and additives
Complementary foods without therapeutic purposes are regulated by Regulation CE 767/2009, while feed additives are governed by Regulation CE 1831/2003. Substances that claim to have curative or preventive properties, such as ampoules, fall under the European Regulation CE 2019/6, which regulates medicines.Regulations for substances in food-producing animals
For dairy or meat-producing animals, substances administered must be authorized under the regulation on maximum residue limits (LMR). This regulation defines waiting periods before animals can be slaughtered or their products sold. These preparations must be prescribed by a veterinarian authorized to practice.Challenges with phytotherapy regulation
France has advocated for a suitable regulatory solution for veterinary phytotherapy at the European level for nearly fifteen years, but the texts have not evolved. The use of plant-based foods prepared on the farm and self-consumed is considered a "borderline" use, with uncertain safety and effectiveness for healing or preventing conditions.Risks of using unapproved plants
Many plants with dangerous residues for human health, such as Aristolochia, which contain carcinogenic substances, are explicitly prohibited in farming. Others have not been evaluated for residues. Plants like the yew, the annual mercury, and the eagle fern cannot be administered to cattle in any form, even after dilution.Risks of self-prepared remedies
The preparation of balms or gels based on plants or essential oils and keeping them in the farm's pharmacy is not covered by regulations for substances without residue evaluations. Applying essential oils can lead to milk contamination, and possession of oils from plants not evaluated for residues poses a risk during inspections.Regulations for acupuncture and acupressure
The insertion of needles for acupuncture is not allowed independently. Skin penetration is considered a veterinary act. Farmers can perform injections under certain conditions, but it is not explicitly allowed for acupuncture. Any therapeutic act generally requires a diagnosis, which is within the practice of veterinary medicine.Legal limits on farmer-assisted care
On non-sick animals, farmers can perform trained practices such as helping a cow give milk or recover. These do not fall under the illegal practice of veterinary medicine. However, the benefits of these practices for animal welfare are not scientifically proven.Legal framework for pain relief and calving assistance
A decree from 2011 allows farmers to apply treatments aimed at alleviating pain and to assist during natural calving. Practices such as acupuncture for foot pain or facilitating calving can fall within this framework. Administering plant-based remedies to help a cow recover after calving is also possible, provided the techniques are effective and scientifically established.
