SMR 5: Restrictions on the use of substances having hormonal or thyrostatic action and beta-agonists in farm animals

(Previously SMR 10)

It is illegal to use substances that have a hormonal or thyrostatic action and beta-agonists for growth promotion in stock farming. Some substances can be used for authorised therapeutic purposes only, but these must be administered only by a veterinarian, who must record details of the treatment in a register/record book.

What you must do

Other than the therapeutic exemptions allowed (for the use of veterinary medicines containing testosterone, progesterone, allyl trenbolone and beta-agonists, and having oestrogenic, androgenic or gestagenic action), you must not use these restricted substances:

• thyrostatic substances
• stilbenes, stilbene derivatives, their salts and esters
• oestradiol 17? and its ester-like derivatives
• substances having oestrogenic, androgenic or gestogenic action, and beta-agonists.

You must not:

• give food-producing animals restricted substances
• have on your farm, place on the market or send to slaughter for human consumption any animal that has been given any restricted substance
• place on the market meat or any other animal product from an animal that has been given any restricted substance
• have substances on your farm containing beta-agonists to induce tocolysis in cows when calving (for example, clenbuterol hydrochloride).

You must:

• take note of the correct withdrawal periods if your food-producing animals have been given any of the restricted substances in line with the permitted exceptions. Your veterinary surgeon can advise on the withdrawal periods for prescribed veterinary medicines
• show to inspectors veterinary medicinal records about restricted substances on request.

More information

The Product Information Database is on the Veterinary Medicines Directorate website at www.gov.uk/vmd. It contains the most up to date information on medicines authorised for use in farm animals in the UK. The database includes any withdrawal periods.

Contact

Veterinary Medicines Directorate: 01932 336911