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MEDICATION OF GAME BIRDS
Medicines licensed for Game Birds are listed on the Medicines page. Below are notes on routes of administration and other general
information.
As game birds are considered food animals it is important that
medicines are supplied according to ‘The Medicines (Restrictions on the
Administration of Veterinary Medicinal Products) Regulations 1994’.
This is known as the ‘cascade system’ and restricts sales
to medicines that are licensed for a specific condition in a specific species. If a
suitable product is not available then a veterinary surgeon may use an alternative product
according to a set formula.
This limits the products used (in the interests of the final
consumer) to medicines that are licensed for other species of food animals or for the same
species but an alternative condition. As few medicines are licensed for use in game birds
the majority of medicines used are prescribed under this ‘cascade system’.
GENERAL PRINCIPALS
 | All medicines used to treat Commercial
Poultry, Game Birds and
Pigeons must be obtained from an approved
source:
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Table 1: Sources for different Classes of Medication
Classification of medicine |
Source |
| GSL,
MFS, POM, P, PML, MFSX |
Veterinary
Surgeon |
| P,
GSL |
Pharmacist |
|
PML, GSL |
Agricultural
Merchant |
|
MFSX, MFS |
Feed
Mill |
| Medicines may
be administered via the food, the drinking water or by injection (for individual birds).
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| Vaccines may be administered via the drinking water,
spray, eye drops or injection.
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| The use of the
correct medicine is essential to ensure the welfare of the birds. Treatment should always
follow veterinary diagnosis of the condition as many diseases give a similar clinical
picture.
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| The route of
administration depends upon:
 | the medicine being used.
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| the number of birds being treated.
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| the practicalities of the particular
farm.
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| Food medication requires a Veterinary Prescription (MFS) which must be obtained before the food is made.
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| Use medicines
only as advised by your Veterinary Surgeon, Pharmacist or Agricultural Merchant. Do not
mix medicines without taking veterinary advice.
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| Ensure that for
Commercial Poultry and Game Birds withdrawal
periods for all medicines are adhered to.
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| Read and follow the guidelines given
with the medicine.
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| All medicines used for
Commercial Poultry and Game Birds must be
recorded in a medicine record book within 72 hours of administration.
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MEDICINE STORAGE
| Store all medicines according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
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| Do not store medicines in the same fridge as food and drink.
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| Ensure that the cupboard or room in which medicines are stored is kept
locked when not in use.
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| Ensure all medicines are stored in a dark cupboard or room.
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| Ensure that medicines are kept out of the reach of children at all
times.
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