Human Suspected Adverse Reactions to Veterinary Medicines: Report (Hansard, 11 January 1996)

Lord Lucas

My honourable friend (Mrs. Browning) announced yesterday that this report has been published. It sets out the conclusions of the appraisal panel drawn from the 144 human suspected adverse reaction reports which it considered during 1994. Of these, 99 related to organophosphorus (OP) sheep dips and 45 to other veterinary medicines including mineral-oil based vaccines, flea collars and pour on products for dogs and cats. They were mainly reports received since December 1990, 20 per cent. of which were regarded as historical reports where the exposure and symptoms had occurred more than a year before the reports were received.

In many cases, the panel had inadequate information on which to make its assessment and its conclusions are based on a balance of evidence. They should not be considered to be a definitive clinical diagnosis. Of the 99 reports related to OP sheep dips, one acute reaction was assessed as Category I (clinical signs and symptoms typical of exposure to OP sheep dips combined with corroborating medical evidence), the first time the panel has classified a case in this category. The Veterinary Products Committee advised, when considering the report, that such a conclusion is not unexpected, since it is known that exposure to organophosphates can result in acute symptoms. It is for this reason that advice aimed at minimising operator exposure is provided on product labels and in the "Sheep dipping" booklet.

Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.