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Policy on Licensing Somatotropins

Recently there has been concern expressed about the possible licensing of somatotropins in New Zealand.

These products are used to promote growth and production in livestock. Some parties have questioned both the safety of the products and the effect they might have on the welfare of the animals treated.

There are no somatotropin products licensed for use in New Zealand. There have been applications lodged in regard to bovine, porcine and equine somatotropin products. However, MAF has been informally advised that the applicants for the bovine product will not be proceeding with the registration of the product.

The Animal Remedies Board is addressing the issue of somatotropins and gathering information on such products to assess:

• their safety;

• the impact they may have on the welfare of the treated animals; and

• the impact their use may have on trade in primary produce.

The Board intends to issue a general policy statement in regard to the licensing of somatotropins. Once the policy statement has been made, then any somatotropin product will be considered in light of that policy.

With the implementation of the modified registration/licensing process applicants will be advised when products cannot be processed within the time constraints applied under the new process. This means that applicants for licensing somatotropin products will be advised that their applications cannot and will not be processed until the Animal Remedies Board officially issues the policy statement on the licensing of such products in New Zealand.