Veterinary Chemicals

Veterinary chemicals are drugs or medicines used to treat or prevent disease, injury and pests in livestock.

Without them, survival rates and productivity would be greatly reduced, particularly for intensively run animals.

The use of veterinary chemicals in livestock is controlled through the Victorian Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical (Control of Use) legislation.

This legislation requires veterinary chemicals to be used safely and in accordance with good agricultural practice to safeguard against the development of antibiotic resistance in animals which could jeopardise human health, or detection of unacceptable residues in livestock products, which may jeopardise market access for Victoria’s livestock industry.

Sections 

What are veterinary chemicals
Learn about veterinary chemicals, including 'over-the-counter' and 'prescription animal remedy' products.

Veterinary chemical use legislation
Find out what legislative controls govern the use and supply of veterinary chemicals.

Off-label use
Understand the rules on using veterinary chemicals off-label to treat cattle, sheep, pigs, or chickens.

Prohibitions on sale and use
Learn what prohibitions apply to using and selling veterinary chemicals.

Labels and advice notes
Familiarise yourself with the information you should receive on veterinary chemical labels and advice notes.

Residue management
The importance of withholding periods and export slaughter intervals explained.

Recording veterinary chemical use
Find out what mandatory chemical use records apply to farmers treating livestock.

Veterinary practitioner requirements
Information for vets using and supplying veterinary chemicals to clients.