The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is to
phase out the use of the veterinary product dimetridazole.
Dimetridazole is used for treating and
preventing blackhead in breeding flocks of chickens, turkeys and game birds also
for treating canker in pigeons and caged birds.
A review by the agricultural and veterinary chemicals regulator found
dimetridazole to be a potential carcinogen and that its use in food-producing
species poses undue risks to workers and consumers.
“As a result of this review, we now propose to cancel the registrations and
label approvals for dimetridazole products used in pigs, chickens and turkeys
destined for human consumption,†said Martin Holmes, programme manager
(Veterinary Medicines).
“We have proposed a two-year phase out period. The APVMA will issue new
instructions on how these products are to be used and handled during this
period,†Holmes said.
Holmes said the APVMA recognised there would be impacts of this decision
for the pig and poultry industries but that public health and safety was a
mandated responsibility for the regulator.
Registrations of the products used on pigeons, caged birds and game birds,
not destined for human consumption would be allowed to continue but with amended
labels.
The APVMA now requires registrants to submit varied
labels for approval. The final review report and regulatory decision is expected
in June 2007.
Guidance for registrants and users of dimetridazole products is
available on the
APVMA website.
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by
Editor WorldPoultry
May 24, 2007