Guide to responsible use of anthelmintics in dairy cows

Anthelmintics are medicine products that can be used on animals to control parasites. Milk contaminated with antibiotics, anthelmintics or other chemical residues is not fit for human consumption.

To ensure the safety of the food ingredients, suppliers must ensure that milk is free from chemical residues at all times. Milk suppliers to Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII) are regularly sampled throughout the year to verify that there are no anthelmintic residues in milk.

This guide lists the anthelmintic products currently licensed for sale in Ireland. It indicates which products are not suitable for dairy cows and lists the withholding period that must be observed for those that may be used.

Recording of Animal Treatments

Care must be taken when administering antibiotics, anthelmintics and other animal remedies so that all cows are correctly identified, marked as necessary and treatments are recorded.

Good records will assist in calculating when milk is safe to go back into the bulk tank.

Click here to download a Guide to Responsible use of Anthelmintics in Dairy Cows.

This information guide/reference document will assist dairy farmers with the responsible selection of licensed anthelmintics to control parasites in the different groups of animals in their herds, i.e. milking cows, dry cows, pregnant and maiden heifers. While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing - each product label must be checked directly before use, in case of changes in licensing or usage requirements. (List compiled June 2017).

For further information on parasite control in your herd, 12 information leaflets are available on the Animal Health Ireland website at www.animalhealthireland.ie

First Published 3 July 2017