The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) has extended the approved use of Tri-Solfen anaesthetic and antiseptic topical application to include the alleviation of pain in calves.

Tri-Solfen is already approved by the APVMA, and is currently used to provide pain relief to more than 8 million lambs per year during husbandry procedures such as castration, tail docking and mulesing.

The company behind Tri-Solfen, Animal Ethics, says the product has a  unique three-way action designed to numb the wound, minimise bleeding and protect against infection.

“Scientific trials have demonstrated pain alleviation up to 24 hours in calves after surgical castration and a significant improvement in wound healing in lambs,” an Animal Ethics media release announcing the APVMA approval said.

“To date, over 70 million animals have been treated with Tri-Solfen, with the product purchased over the counter in Australia from local veterinarians or from rural retailers.”

On-going trials conducted by Sydney University Veterinary School were used to support the APVMA registration.

Animal Ethics said the trials confirmed that Tri-Solfen is highly effective and safe to alleviate pain post castration and disbudding in calves.

In addition, it says, recent studies conducted by Sydney University have also confirmed a significant reduction in pain associated with piglet castration and these studies will be used to extend the use in piglets in the near future.

“It is a major win for farmers, a win for calves, a win for animal welfare – and a win for the Australian cattle and dairy industry,” said Animal Ethics managing director Allan Giffard.

“Tri-Solfen is now approved to provide a practical means for farmers to alleviate the pain associated with husbandry procedures in calves, which are relied on for important animal health and management reasons.

“This in turn may improve mothering-up, minimise set-back, while also addressing consumer concerns over welfare.

“Farm animals experience pain in the same way as dogs, cats and other companion animals. They deserve the same respect and effort to develop safe, affordable and effective pain relief and wound care that is practical for farmers to use.

“Tri-Solfen provides the first important product to address this need”.

“This is a very exciting milestone for our company and the new calf registration sets a solid platform for Animal Ethics as we continue our international registration program in key markets such as the USA, EU, Canada, New Zealand and South America.”

Source: Animal Ethics