Veterinary Chemical Use Laws

A range of controls exists under Victorian legislation which define how veterinary chemicals may be supplied and used. These controls are designed to protect Victoria's trade in livestock products, the health and welfare of animals, chemical users, the general public and the environment. Described below are the main controls relating to the supply and use of veterinary chemical products, as applicable to both veterinarians and non-veterinarians.

Off-Label Use of Registered Veterinary Chemical Products

Off-label use is the application of a registered product in a way not exactly specified on the product label. In Victoria, veterinary chemical products administered to cattle, sheep, pigs, or chickens (Gallus domestica) must not be used, other than in accordance with the product label unless:

• the person administering the product is a veterinary surgeon

• the administration has been authorised in writing by a veterinary surgeon, or

• the dose rate is less than that stated on the label for that particular species and for that particular use.

• Unless a permit has been issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Chemicals Authority (APVMA) or a veterinary surgeon has provided written permission authorising the use, non-veterinarians must not use a veterinary chemical at a rate that is higher than the maximum application rate for that use or at intervals more frequent than the intervals for that use, as stated on the product label.

• Unless a permit has been issued by the APVMA, a person must not use a veterinary chemical product if the product's label specifically states that it must not be used in a particular manner, or for a particular purpose, or in particular circumstances. Such statements are often found in the 'Restraints' section of a product label (e.g. "DO NOT use in food producing animals").

• A veterinary chemical that is registered for oral or topical use only, must not be formulated, dispensed or used as an injection.

• Products containing clenbuterol and related beta-agonists can only be used according to the label unless a permit has been issued by the DPI or APVMA for that use. This requirement applies to both veterinarians and non-veterinarians.

• Products that are anabolic or androgenic steroids, or hormones including: boldenone, ethyloestrenol, megestrol, methandriol, nandrolone, oestradiol, progesterone, stanozolol, testosterone, trenbolone or zeranol and their derivatives, other than: progesterone and testosterone and their derivatives, when used in conjunction with the artificial insemination of sheep and the use occurs under written instructions of a registered veterinary surgeon.

• the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Chemicals Authority (APVMA) has issued a permit, which allows that use to be undertaken
  

• the use takes place not later than 2 years, after a chemical product ceases to be registered by the APVMA, and the chemical product was in the possession of the person who uses the product, immediately before the chemical product ceased to be registered
  

• the use is by, or in accordance with the instructions of a veterinary practitioner in the course of the practice of his or her profession.