Australia: Fire ant treatments kill pests not livestock says APVMA

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has confirmed the safety of the chemicals Pyriproxyfen and S-methoprene used in fire ant treatments for mammals, including livestock. These chemicals, used in the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, have low toxicity and are not classified as poisons. They are also used in parasite control products for dogs and cats and in agricultural applications. There have been no reports of poisoning or death in any vertebrate species due to these chemicals.

The APVMA has managed rigorous testing of fire ant treatments to ensure they are safe for birds and mammals including livestock. Picture: Alison Paterson Landholders concerned about livestock being harmed by fire ant treatments have been reassured after a key report on the safety of mammals being exposed to National Fire Ant Eradication Program chemicals was released. All articles from our website & app The digital version of This Week's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox All articles from the other agricultural news sites in your area According to an independent toxicologist, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority undertook rigorous testing of the chemicals Pyriproxyfen and S-methoprene which are present in fire ant treatments. The National Fire Ant Eradication Program said the chemicals pyriproxyfen and S-methoprene in fire ant treatment were not classified as poisons under the Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard) Instrument. The NFAEP fire ant ...