Just as vaccines protect humans from smallpox, polio and other diseases, veterinary vaccines now prevent many diseases which once caused considerable animal suffering. Together with improved housing, nutrition, and modern husbandry methods, vaccines and other veterinary products permit farmers to raise healthier, more productive animals. And like people, they can now often be quickly cured with appropriate antibiotics or other medications. As we all know, medicines are expensive. They are used only when necessary, under strict guidelines and withdrawal schedules, to assure the wholesomeness of the marketed product.
Farmers know that medications can never substitute for good farm management and husbandry practices.
Some standards are legislated. Legislation, however, can only set minimum standards and may quickly become outdated. They are reviewed and revised on a timely-basis. Farmers who fail to provide adequate housing, nutrition and care for their animals do not remain in business very long. The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is proud of its role in development of the Codes.