Latest VPC Advice on OP Dips Welcomed by NOAH

The National Office of Animal Health, welcomed unreservedly the new report and recommendations of the Veterinary Products Committee, and notes in particular its advice that OP dips are safe when used in accordance with current recommendations.

Roger Cook, director of NOAH, said: "This report is the result of a very painstaking review carried out since last March by the independent, expert scientists which make up the VPC. It reinforces the results of the regular reviews carried out since 1989. We particularly welcome the extension of the Certificate of Competence to cover use as well as purchase, and look forward to working with the Authorities to put this into effect.

"As the VPC report emphasises, there is a continuing need for effective, broad spectrum treatment of sheep ectoparasiticides such as scab and blowfly and it is extremely good news for sheep welfare that OP dips will remain available, through their traditional distribution routes, for those farmers who choose to use them.

"The VPC report also serves to remind us that all licensed medicines are safe when used in accordance with the label - it is most important that medicine users treat all products with respect and use them correctly."

19 February 1997

Notes for Editors

1. NOAH members include all major suppliers of sheep ectoparasiticides, including OP dips.
2. The Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) was set up in 1970 under section 4 of the Medicines Act. Its terms of reference are:
   • to give advice with respect to safety, quality and efficacy in relation to the veterinary use of any substance or article (not being an instrument, apparatus or appliance) to which any provision of the Medicines Act is applicable; and
   • to promote the collection and investigation of information relating to suspected adverse reactions for the purpose of enabling such advice to be given.
3. See also NOAH's briefing on Organophosphates for Animal Health