All veterinary medicinal products have been approved by the National Drugs Advisory Board. This process is to determine the safety, efficacy and quality of the product and takes account of all available data in these areas. The NDAB does not initiate research but evaluates all data submitted by the companies seeking approval, that is, the company must submit proof of safety. In assessing safety the NDAB ensures the safety of the operator, the animal, the consumer, where food animals are concerned, and the environment. Conditions of use are aimed at maximising protection under those headings. Organo-phosphates presents something of a dilemma between operator and animal welfare. The risks to human safety are minimised by adherence to manufacturer's instructions in dispensing the product.
The existence of risk if instructions are ignored is acknowledged but there is no suitable alternative yet approved. The lack of an alternative effective dip could lead to serious welfare problems. The situation is being closely monitored by the Irish and UK authorities in a search for an alternative solution for the sheep scab problem. Indeed, the Department here has carried out clinical trials in relation to an innoculation and we are now proceeding towards field trials. An organo-phosphate is not involved here obviously but we are hoping that innoculation will prove to be a successful method of dealing with scab because we believe it can lead to eradication rather than control of the problem. Obviously, the field trials are very important and we must await their outcome. Innoculation would be welcomed by farmers because not only does it deal with sheep scab but with other problems also and eliminates much of the physical labour involved in sheep dipping.