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AgVetLink October 2003

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AVMAC meeting (21 August 2003)

A number of issues were discussed at the recent AVMAC meeting in Wellington.

Legislation

The NZFSA Policy Group advised that work had recommenced on the ACVM Act Amendment Bill. The intention is to take the previous submissions and to prepare a further discussion document. It is likely that there will be some relatively significant changes because the ACVM Act policy was developed prior to MAF taking on responsibility for Forestry and NZFSA being formed with responsibilities covering the additional areas of the Food Act and the Wine Makers Act. It was noted that changes arising out of the Biosecurity Strategy are also likely to impact on the ACVM Act in the future. The ACVM Regulations covering additions to the GRAS lists are also progressing through the parliamentary process with an expectation of being finalised within the next 4-6 weeks.

PAR products

The ACVM Group’s response to the submissions received on the draft operational policy for PAR products was discussed as were the draft standard for prescribing PAR products and the draft standard for trading PAR products. The ARPPA representative expressed the concern of members over the potential threat to traditional veterinary practices. Several of the council members expressed strong support for the work of the ACVM Group in this area.

Compliance and Standards

The revised Compliance Policy was a key discussion point. The background paper presented to AVMAC is available on the ACVM website ( http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/acvm/publications/discussion/operational-policies/index.htm ) along with the revised draft of the policy for comment. Submissions close on 15 October 2003. AVMAC was also advised of the progress and plans for ACVM standards development.

Staff update

Meg Davies (Assessor Technical Standards Veterinary Medicines)

'I grew up in rural Otago before venturing north to complete a vet degree at Massey. After graduating with distinction in 1992 I spent 5 funfilled years in mixed animal practice in South Otago.

Then I flitted off overseas on my OE, working in small animal hospitals in the UK to fund my travels. When I returned to New Zealand I went back into practice in Canterbury, married a vet, moved to Wellington, worked part-time for Schering Plough Animal Health and had two children.

Much as I love my children, I missed interaction with adults and was concerned about post natal cerebral drift so applied for a part-time position with the AVCM Group. I am excited to be here and look forward to meeting everyone over the next few months. I am an ardent sports fan, and am anticipating a lot of time on the couch watching the Rugby World Cup. The rest of my passions – tramping, travelling and lots of socialising – have been superseded by our two great kids (in the mean time anyway!)'

Residues survey

A pilot residues surveillance programme is being undertaken in this (2003/04) financial year. In future years the NZFSA will rank and prioritise the programme of residue/commodity combinations to be investigated.

We expect that the principles and prioritisation criteria of the programme will be subject to stakeholder consultation in accordance with standard NZFSA procedures. Details of the work to be undertaken will be advised on the NZFSA website.

The two components planned for 2003/ 04 are an investigation of glyphosate residues in potatoes and a multi-residue screen of wine and certain fruits and vegetables.

The current proposals have the following goals:

• To provide information about the level of residues in primary plant products in New Zealand. This will help the NZFSA to ascertain whether agricultural compounds are being used in a manner consistent with their conditions of registration.
• Where residues are detected, their frequency and concentration will assist the review of regulatory measures, including amendment of MRLs, amendment of WHPs or label claims, or introduction of compliance monitoring.
• To contribute to the development and implementation of the broader ongoing Residues and Contaminants Surveillance Programme.

Because of a high level of interest in glyphosate expressed at the last NZFSA Consumers’ Forum, the NZFSA has undertaken to conduct additional work this financial year to investigate glyphosate residues in cereals. The details of this survey have yet to be developed.