Australia to reconsider fipronil approval

The APVMA is reconsidering the approvals, registrations and product labels associated with the insecticide fipronil. This is based on concerns about potential risks to occupational health and safety, animal safety, and the adequacy of label instructions.

The preliminary review findings propose:

• no change to the approval status of fipronil or to the ongoing registration of existing fipronil products in Australia
• new or revised re-entry intervals for many agricultural uses
• a rehandling statement for veterinary spray products
• amendments to the first aid instructions and safety directions for most agricultural and veterinary chemical products
• additional warnings when fipronil products are used on dogs and cats
• additional label warnings concerning off-label use on rabbits

The APVMA invites comment on the preliminary findings and proposed actions from 21 June 2011 to 2 August 2011.