APPROVAL FOR DISINFECTANTS USED AGAINST BOVINE TB WITHDRAWN

5 Dec 2000 12:00 AM

Seven disinfectants approved for use against bovine tuberculosis are being removed from the list of approved products. Routine check testing by MAFF has shown six of these not to be fully effective at the approved dilution rate and one is no longer manufactured.

Following these test results, MAFF has undertaken further investigations of all disinfectants approved for use against bovine TB and currently marketed. These were tested by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency and a significant number have been found to be ineffective at the approved dilution.

We have written today to the manufacturers of these further products advising them that they have three weeks in which to make representations concerning these results. As soon as possible assessment of such representations will be made and any necessary regulatory action taken.

Notes to Editors

1. Approval for statutory use against bovine tuberculosis is being removed from the following products with effect from 6 December 2000 by means of an Amendment Order amending the Diseases of Animals (Approved Disinfectants) Order 1978: Kleencare DS680; Trigene II, Genie 11, Killgerm PX-Parvo II, Hycolin and Genus Universal. Zal Universal, which is no longer manufactured, is also removed from the list of MAFF approved disinfectants. One new product, Genus Universal - New Formulation, is approved for use against TB and other categories.

2. MAFF carries out routine check testing of disinfectants approved for use for statutory disease control purposes against various animal diseases, including TB, under the Diseases of Animals (Approved Disinfectants) Order 1978. In addition to the changes listed above, the approvals for Arrow Vibac and Vibacide are removed for use against Swine Vesicular Disease and the dilution rate at which Kleencare DS680 may be used against diseases of poultry is amended. Any other categories for statutory use, for which these disinfectants are approved, are retained.

3. Disinfectants are required to be used for statutory disease control by State Veterinary Service field staff, farmers, livestock market operators and hauliers in disinfecting protective clothing and footwear and hard surfaces such as cattle pens and vehicles used for transporting livestock. MAFF approves disinfectants for use in these circumstances.

4. Over one hundred and forty disinfectants are approved for use against TB of which sixty-two are distinct products with different formulations - so-called ''parent'' disinfectants. Of these sixty-two, current test results suggest that seventeen are effective, twenty-nine are not effective while sixteen are no longer manufactured. No information is held by the Government on the market share of the products concerned.

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