VMD to ban some flukicides
The VMD have announced a ban on the use of certain flukicides in animals producing milk for human consumption. Speaking last week at the Animal Health Distributors Association conference, Paul Green, director of operations at the directorate said the decision had come from the European Commission (EC). The ban aims to "clarify and harmonise" the advice on using these types of products across the member states.
Mr Green said: "The advice confirms that products containing clorsulon, closantel, nitroxinil, triclabendazole and rafoxanide are not authorised for use in animals producing milk for human consumption, including during the dry period."
However, he added that products containing one of these compounds as their sole active substance will be subject to "specific directions", with regards to their use in heifers and ewes prior to the first calving or lambing. For example, clostanel can be given to pregnant cattle, but not during the second half of pregnancy, whereas triclabendazole cannot be used within the year prior to the first lambing or kidding in sheep and goats respectively.
No UK-authorised products contain rafoxanide, and clorsulon is currently only included in UK products in combination with a second active substance, meaning there are no special circumstances with either of these two substances.
According to the directorate, the decision by the EC comes after a "community interest referral", which is a change initiated by concerns regarding the protection of the EU's human and/or animal health. As a result of the decision there will be major changes to the labelling of affected products across the EU. Mr Green said that the marketing authorisation holders (MAHs) concerned were taking the "necessary steps" to introduce the new labelling. Products containing the new advice will start to become available "in about six months time".
More information and a complete list of the specific directions is available on the VMD's website.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
