The VMD has announced the manufacture of all commercial products containing the broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drug fenbendazole aimed at pigeons must cease – and that it can now only be used under the directions of a vet.
In a statement, the VMD said: “The VMD wishes to make companies aware that fenbendazole is no longer permitted for use in pigeons under Schedule 6 (exemptions for small pet animals) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) 2013.”
Cease manufacturer
With effect from 15 July 2019
- Fenbendazole products that have pigeons as the only target species: manufacture must cease
- Fenbendazole products that have pigeons as a target species, plus additional target species: pigeons must no longer be included as a target species in the product literature
Schedule 6
The statement continues: “The VMD has become aware of peer-reviewed published literature indicating that fenbendazole has a low margin of safety in pigeons.
“Overdose is likely to result in a low white blood cell count (leukopaenia, heteropaenia and bone marrow hypoplasia), damage to the rapidly dividing cells of the crop and small intestinal epithelium and, ultimately, death.
“Because of the narrow margin of safety and severe consequences associated with overdose, the VMD has concluded that fenbendazole must only be used in pigeons under the direction of a veterinary surgeon and should therefore no longer be exempt from the provisions of the VMR under Schedule 6.”