Aust Vet J Vol 79, No 9, September 2001586

News

In August 2000 the NRA completed itsspecial review of the sulphonamides. Thisreview had commenced in the early 1990’s

and examined both the toxicological andresidue aspects associated with the registrationof products containing one or more of thesulphonamide class of compounds. Earlierevaluation of toxicological data had onlysupported the continued use of the followingfive sulphonamides (gazetted in October1994):• Sulphadimidine• Sulphadiazine• Sulphdoxine• Sulphaquinoxlaine• SulphatroxazoleThe more recent evaluations focussed on theresidue aspects of products used on 52 foodproducing species only.All registrants of these products were given theopportunity to provide data to supportcontinued use where data deficiencies had beenhighlighted with all information providedtaken into consideration in the finalisation ofthis review.The recommendations arising from the residuereview were incorporated onto labels andsubmitted to the NRA for approval by thedeadline of December 2000. These amendedlabels will be appearing on the market over thenext few years. Some of the changes made toproduct use patterns as a result of this revieware quite significant. These have resultedprimarily due to limited or no residue data tosupport continued use. The recommendations containing acceptablegeneralised use patterns are noted below. Usersshould ensure that they read the label of theproduct before use to confirm target speciesand withholding periods. If you require morespecific information on a particular productplease contact the registrant of this product orthe NRA.

You can contact Sharon Pike in ChemicalReview on 02-6272-3753 or spike@nra.gov.auif you require any further information on thisreview.

A. Sulphadimidine (sulphamethazine)• Injectable formulations - cattle, sheep and

pigs• Water medications – pigs, calves and

poultry• Feed medications – pigs, poultry and calves• Combination of oral and injectable

applications - cattle only

B. Sulphadiazine• Feed medications - pigs, cattle and calves.• Water medications - pigs and poultry. 1

product also supported for cattle and sheep• Combination oral/intrauterine pessary –

calves and pigs (orally), non-lactating cattleonly, sows, ewes (IU)

• Injectable formulations - cattle, sheep andpigs.

• Oral medications - calves, pigs, poultry andnon-lactating cattle only

C. Sulphaquinoxaline• Feed and water medications - poultry. Not

for egg producers

D. Sulphadoxine• Injectable formulations - cattle, sheep and

pigs (and one product on non-lactatinggoats).

E. Sulphatroxazole• Injectable formulations - cattle, sheep and

pigs

F. Sulphadimidine/sulphadiazinecombination products

• Oral medications – calves only

Changes to the registration status of sulphonamide-containingpreparations following the NRA’s special review

The AVA Board is to launch a campaignto attempt to head-off moves by someStates and Territories towards legislation

aimed at banning specific breeds of dogs on thegrounds that they are “dangerous”.This follows recent political moves in Victoria,Queensland and the ACT that suggest that“breed ban” legislation is under activeconsideration by the governments in thosejurisdictions – or the idea is being pushed veryhard by individual MPs.The AVA is strenuously opposed to the idea that

entire breeds of canines should ever be “banned”on such grounds. The Board, on the advice of behaviouralspecialists and ASAVA representatives, is of theview that “breed ban” laws are dangerous inthemselves because they enable politicians toseek a quick-fix headline and encourageunjustified community and media concernabout particular breeds.Even worse, that concept can foster a gravelyfalse sense of security about other breeds being‘incapable’ of attacking children or adults.

AVA campaign against ‘breed ban’ laws

There has been a verystrong responsefrom around

Australia to the inauguralAVA/Pfizer VeterinaryPractices of Excellence inCustomer Service Awards.At the close of theextended nominationperiod (August 3) therewere large numbers ofdocuments accumulatedat National Office.

The committeeestablished to process thenominations hasdetermined a short list of12 nominated practices tobe further examined on abroad range of criteria.This process is expectedto be completed thismonth.The six successfulnominee practices – toinclude at least twomixed practices – will beannounced in October.Among the benefits ofbeing selected as one ofthe AVA/Pfizer VeterinaryPractices of Excellence for2001 will be:• $2000 for continuing

practice education• One registration for the

AVA AnnualConference in 2002

• An AVJ profile articleon each winningpractice

• The opportunity topresent a practiceprofile at the AVPMAprogram during the2002 AdelaideConference

• A framed awardcertificate for publicdisplay

2001 AVA/Pfizerpractice awards

VET PRACTICES

OF EXCELLENCE