Issues and programs: Chemical use in goats

The Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) believes that animal remedies and other chemicals used directly or indirectly (eg: via feed) on goats must be in accordance with on-label instructions for use and with holding periods. Where off-label use of chemicals is required this should only be done under the supervision and/or direction of a Veterinarian or Department of Primary Industry personnel.

Written records should be maintained for all chemical use on goats and where off-label chemical use is prescribed, written instructions should be provided by the prescribing authority. These written instructions should be kept on file by the producer.

Two parasite control factsheets and a new module for the Going into goats guide are now available from MLA that address the issue of chemical use in goats.

To order, phone 1800 675 717.

Oral antiparasitic goat drench

The manufacturer of animal health products Virbac has been working with MLA through the Donor Company program to develop an effective registered drench to control internal parasites in goats.

Trials were conducted and a dossier of information presented to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in 2005 as part of the registration process.

The outcome is Caprimec Broad Spectrum Oral Antiparasitic Solution for Goats now available to the goat industry, find out more about Caprimec.