(Photo: LinkedIn)
August 8, 2017
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is advising retailers to use caution when stocking veterinary products for horses, following concerns a number of “natural” horse products being sold may not be registered.
Recently appointed APVMA CEO Dr Chris Parker said a number of veterinary chemical horse products claiming to be natural, organic or chemical-free were not APVMA registered and were therefore illegal to import, possess, advertise or supply.
“The definition of a veterinary product is broad and inclusive under Australian law. This means both natural and man-made substances are regulated by the APVMA if they claim to have a therapeutic effect on an animal,” Dr Parker said.
“The market for veterinary horse products has expanded in recent years and many new products marketed as natural, organic, or chemical-free may not have been assessed by the APVMA.
“It’s a concern because some of these products claim to have a therapeutic effect or enhance the physical qualities of horses, but have not been independently assessed to confirm they are actually safe or work as claimed.
“Businesses have a duty of care to make sure the veterinary chemical products they promote and supply in Australia are registered.”
He encouraged both retailers and consumers to check product labels for an APVMA approval number.
Dr Parker also cautioned against buying veterinary chemical products directly from overseas.
“Just because a product is registered for use in another country, does not mean it’s legal to import, supply and use in Australia,” Dr Parker said.
