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Instructions for the Administration of Boluses

During 1997 and 1998 the ACVM Group received notification of a number of adverse events following the administration of anthelmintic and zinc oxide animal remedies presented as boluses. Investigations carried out by licensees of the products indicated that the problem was one of incorrect administration on-farm, when boluses punctured pharyngeal tissues causing loss of condition, distress and in some cases death, particularly in calves.

The adverse events, which coincided with an increase in the range of bolus products offered for sale and the consequent greater usage, were reviewed at meetings with licensees, and a number of actions were agreed to resolve the problem.

These included minor modifications of some bolus profiles where necessary, the provision of effective point of sale advice on administration, and on-farm training where mal-administration is recognised from adverse event investigations. Implementation of the actions has resulted in a dramatic reduction in adverse events reported.

The final action, which is the preparation of instructions for the administration of boluses to sheep, calves, cattle and deer, is now in the final stages of completion. These instructions comprising simple text and explicit diagrams are being developed by the New Zealand Veterinary Association in collaboration with AGCARM.

It is intended to require licensees to include a copy of the instructions with each pack of product. Alternatively, licensees may incorporate the instructions verbatim into their own product 'directions for use' pack insert document.