Storage and Handling of Livestock Medicines on the Dairy Farm

Agdex#:	410/662
Publication Date:	02/92
Order#:	92-055
Last Reviewed:	09/96
History:	New
Written by:	Ann Godkin - Health Management Veterinarian/OMAFRA; Jack Rodenburg - Dairy Cattle Specialist/OMAFRA

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Management for Disease Prevention
3. Storage Facilities for Livestock Medicines
4. Managing Livestock Medicine Inventory
5. Disposal of Livestock Medicines
6. Summary
7. Drug Handling Check List

Introduction

The Ontario dairy industry has an excellent record in the production of quality milk. Correct storage and handling of livestock medicines on the dairy farm is important in preventing contamination of milk with drug residues. This is an important responsibility of the milk producer, farm employees and the herd veterinarian. Correct use of veterinary drugs insures the effectiveness of treatment of sick animals and assures consumers of a wholesome food supply.

This factsheet addresses storage and handling of livestock medicines. The Factsheet "Use of Livestock Medicines on the Dairy Farm" Agdex 410/662 explains drug labelling, treatment practices, and on-farm antibiotic testing.

Neat, organized drug storage facilities, the use of good treatment records, and good on-going communication among those involved in the care of the herd are important elements in the "residue avoidance" program on the farm.

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Management for Disease Prevention

Management practices which prevent disease will reduce the need for drug treatment. A planned animal health and production program, commonly called herd health, combines regularly scheduled veterinary visits with good herd management.

Health programs commit both the milk producer and the veterinarian to scheduled health care and consultation. Critical factors in preventing disease are the provision of adequate space, dry bedding, good ventilation, the use of properly functioning milking equipment and the maintenance of a high standard of hygiene and sanitation. The use of milking procedures known to reduce mastitis, such as post-milking teat dipping and dry cow treatment, is effective in disease prevention. The feeding of a balanced ration also prevents disease.

Preventing sickness in livestock leads to less antibiotic use. Consult your herd veterinarian, nutrition and management advisors about a comprehensive health management program.

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Storage Facilities for Livestock Medicines

Provision of a facility specifically set for storage of livestock medicines will improve medication effectiveness and reduce treatment errors. The ideal location for a storage unit is a clean, dry, frost-free area such as a farm office or utility room. The storage unit should protect products from changes in temperature, sunlight, dust, moisture, animals and insects.

Products should be protected from temperature extremes and fluctuations as these may alter the products' chemical structure and reduce potency, shelf life and safety. An example of products affected by incorrect storage temperature are teat dips containing the disinfectant chlorhexidine. These products may irritate teat skin if used after freezing and thawing has occurred. Vaccines containing modified live organisms will have markedly reduced effectiveness if stored at room temperature.

Most antibiotic preparations are heat sensitive. Store these products in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2° and 8° C to maintain potency. Many other products require storage in a cool (below 15° C) but non-refrigerated location. Product labels will indicate an acceptable storage temperature.

Product decomposition may result from exposure to light. Manufacturers package light sensitive products like the injectable tetracyclines in light resistant containers such as coloured glass bottles. This reduces the loss of potency due to light. Store these and other products in a light proof storage unit.

To prevent treatment errors, store products approved for use in lactating (milking) cows on a separate shelf in the storage unit from those for dry cows. Label the shelves to help maintain an organized storage unit. Store products other than antibiotics, such as wound dressings and injectable vitamins, on a third shelf along with needles and other instruments used in the treatment of animals.

Separate storage cabinets for each group of products will further reduce the chance of errors in product selection. Lock storage units to prevent access by children or unauthorized persons.

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Managing Livestock Medicine Inventory

Careful management of the drug inventory on the farm insures that drugs are purchased as needed. Fresh supplies will be readily available when needed. This will reduce costs resulting from drug wastage. Anticipation of a time of increased drug use may allow the producer to take advantage of sales while insuring supplies are on hand. For example, the number of cows requiring treatment at dry off during a given time period can be estimated in advance. Purchase of dry cow treatment products in the volume required at one time may be convenient and result in price reductions for bulk purchases.

The drug inventory on the farm can be managed using the following procedures:

• purchase drugs in quantities which will be used in a reasonable amount of time;
• check product expiry dates before purchase;
• clean and reorganize the drug cabinet regularly;
• use products with older dates first; and
• discard all expired products.

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Disposal of Livestock Medicines

Safe disposal of livestock medicines is essential to protect farm employees, family members, untreated livestock and the environment from accidental exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.

Expired livestock medicines can be disposed of by returning them to the supplier. Increasingly, many veterinarians and manufacturers are willing to accept returns of products at the location of purchase. In some municipalities medicines can be disposed of on "Household Hazardous Waste Days". Contact your local county or municipal works department to determine when these are held in your region.

Cattle anti-parasiticide products, such as injectable and topical wormers, are pesticides. Dispose of these products like pesticides applied to crops. A good rule for disposal of all livestock medicines is to rinse all empty containers and used equipment thoroughly. The three rinse system recommended for pesticide containers is suitable.

Do not reuse livestock medicine containers. Puncture all non-aerosol containers to prevent their reuse. Store containers for discarding in a way which prevents access to children, other livestock and pets. Dispose of them promptly. Dispose of washed containers in municipal landfill.

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Summary

The ultimate responsibility for insuring a milk supply free of drug residues lies with the milk producer. Use of livestock medicines is a privilege which livestock owners cannot afford to abuse.

Provision of the proper storage conditions and location for medications will prevent reduced drug effectiveness and treatment errors. Maintaining a suitable drug inventory on the dairy farm will provide drugs when needed yet prevent increased costs due to the discard of expired drugs. Dispose of used containers and unused products safely. This will prevent accidental exposure of people and animals to medicines.

Review the handling and storage of livestock medicines on your farm. Use the recommendations of this factsheet. Revise procedures to insure the safety and well-being of livestock, the dairy industry and of the consumers of dairy products.

Additional sources of information include:

1. Use of Livestock Medicines on the Dairy Farm, Agdex No. 410/662
2. Canadian Compendium of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals, Biologicals and Specialities, 2nd Edition 1991. CCVPBS, 148 King St., P.O. Box 39, Hensall, Ontario NOM lXO.
3. Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle, 1990. Agriculture Canada Publication 1853/E.
4. Grower Pesticide Safety Course Manual, 1990. Ontario Pesticide Education Program, Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology, Ridgetown, Ontario NOP 2CO.
   

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   Drug Handling Check List

   Drug Storage Unit Located in farm office or utility room Protected from temperature fluctuations Sealed against dust, insects and light Separate, labelled shelves for lactating and dry cow products Kept locked Clean and organized

   Inventory Control Products purchased as needed Expired, unopened products returned Expired, partially used products discarded

   Preventive Health Management Practises Enrolled in a veterinarian supervised health management program Environmental management includes provision of: Adequate space per animal Clean, dry bedding Good ventilation Clean, readily available water A ration formulated to meet animal requirements Proper milking practises are used to prevent mastitis: Post-milking teat dipping Treatment of all cows at the time of dry-off Treatment of lactating cows as recommended by a veterinarian

    

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