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The correct use of
medicines
The use of medicines in animals has been under increasingly scrutiny with public concern about residues in meat and milk, as well as a wish to maximise the benefit of medication to animals by correct usage.
This sets out, in a concise and informative manner, basic recommendations on drug buying, storage, record keeping, use and disposal of unused surplus and withdrawal periods.
Safe storage of medicines
Medicines should only be obtained from an authorised supplier, such as your veterinary surgeon, as some other sources may be illegal and the drugs may not be safe or effective.
The keeping of records not only has value at the time of treatment, but may be extremely helpful in a year's time, when your veterinary surgeaon needs to check on the history of a particular animal.
The safe storage of animal medicines, under lock and key, is important. Not only for you to keep tabs on all the drugs being used at any particular time, but also with respect to the health and safety of any other animals or children around the farm. Accidents involving children and carelessly stored drugs are ones that should never happen.
Ask your vet
Always ask your veterinary surgeon for advice and training in the administration of medicines. He or she can give you full instructions which should be followed, If in doubt, ask!
Ask your vet!
Avoid drug residues
Drug residues in meat and animal products must avoided at all costs. This is symply done: all it needs is that the recommended withdrawal time for each medicine is strictly observed. If the animals are sold before the end of any withdrawal period, it is important that you tell the purchaser and, or, auctioneer or other dealer.
As a precaution in case of emergencies, it is recommended that a list of emergency telephone numbers is kept to hand but, hopefully, they will never be needed.
