CLARIFICATION ON THE USE OF ACATAK^® POUR-ON

 By Craig Stevenson

Professional Services (Farm Animal Business)

Novartis Animal Health Australasia Pty Ltd

Toll Free: 1800 633 768.

 Introduction

 It has recently been brought to the attention of Novartis Animal Health that ACATAK Pour-On may have been administered to cattle classes for which it is not registered (i.e. dairy cattle).  This notice clarifies the use of ACATAK Pour-On for cattle tick control.

Q.       Can ACATAK Pour-On be used on dairy cattle?

A.        NO.  ACATAK Pour-On is registered for use on beef cattle only.  It must not be used on dairy cattle whose milk is being, or will be in the future, be used for human consumption.

Q.        Can beef cattle grazing on a dairy property be treated with ACATAK?

A.         YES. Providing that the beef cattle do not come in contact with dairy cattle whose milk is being, or will be in the future, be used for human consumption.

Q.        Can untreated dairy cattle graze in the same paddock as ACATAK treated beef cows?

A.         NO.  ACATAK Pour-On is absorbed both dermally (through the hide) and orally (through grooming).  If untreated dairy cows are run together with ACATAK treated beef cows there is a risk that the dairy cows will ingest some ACATAK through cross-grooming of the beef cows.

Q.       What are the withholding periods for ACATAK Pour-On?

A.         Milk:                              DO NOT USE ON CATTLE WHICH ARE

PRODUCING OR MAY IN THE FUTURE

PRODUCE MILK FOR HUMAN

CONSUMPTION

Meat:                                      42 days

Export Slaughter Interval:         42 days

 Calves which have suckled on ACATAK treated cows must not be slaughtered less than four months after the last treatment of these cows.           

Q.                Why can’t ACATAK be administered to dairy cattle?

 A.        There is no Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) established for fluazuron (the active ingredient in ACATAK) in milk in Australia or overseas.  Any detectable residue of fluazuron in milk is a violation and would be grounds for the milk to be rejected.  Such a violation by the irresponsible actions of one individual could be a threat to the whole Australian Dairy Industry.

For further information on ACATAK please contact your reseller or your local Novartis Sales Representative.  Alternatively, either ring the Novartis Toll Free Customer Advisory Line on           1800 633 768,  Monday – Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm E.S.T, or email Novartis at  
farm.services@ah.novartis.com