Australia to phase out pig & poultry drug

Dimetridazole is used for treating and
preventing blackhead – a protozoan disease – in breeding
flocks of chickens and turkeys and in game birds, and for preventing swine dysentery in pigs

. The chemical is also used for treating canker in
pigeons and caged birds.

A review by the agricultural and veterinary
chemicals regulator has found dimetridazole is 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,
Program Manager (Veterinary Medicines).

Phase-out
period
A two-year phase out period had been proposed and the APVMA
will issue new instructions on how these products are to be used and handled
during this period.

Six products containing dimetridazole are registered
for use in Australia.

Registrations of the products used on pigeons,
caged birds and game birds, not destined for human consumption will be allowed
to continue but with amended labels.

Public safety
prevails
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.

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.