Do Bison Receive Antibiotics or Vaccinations?

Bison can become sick or injured just like other livestock. Antibiotics, vaccines and other veterinary tools may be used as part of responsible herd-health management.

Treatment and routine use are different questions

A farm may avoid routine antibiotic use while still treating an individual animal when medically necessary. Consumers should distinguish between those two situations.

Why might antibiotics be used?

When a bacterial illness requires treatment, a veterinarian or producer may determine that an approved medication is appropriate. Leaving a sick animal untreated solely to preserve a marketing claim can create an animal-welfare concern.

What are withdrawal periods?

Veterinary drugs used in food animals are subject to directions and withdrawal requirements intended to prevent unacceptable drug residues from entering the food supply. Producers are responsible for following applicable requirements.

Why vaccinate?

Vaccination can be one component of disease prevention. Whether a particular vaccine is used depends on herd risks, management practices and veterinary advice.

Transparency is more useful than a slogan

A statement such as no antibiotics does not explain what happens if an animal becomes ill. A clearer question is how the farm prevents disease, when treatment is used and how treated animals are managed.