Question reference: S6W-09521
- Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 30 June 2022
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Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 26 July 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the use of anthelmintics through medicated grit to treat wild red grouse, what monitoring is in place for (a) how much is being used and (b) where it is being dispensed.
Answer
Medicated grit can only be used under licence administered by a veterinarian. A veterinary prescription is required to purchase flubendazole coated medicated grit and it is recommended following predetermination of worm levels in grouse .
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is the competent authority in the UK responsible for the testing of food producing animals for residues of authorised veterinary medicines products and prohibited substances. The National Residues Surveillance Programme is carried out by VMD in accordance with The Animal and Animal Products (Examination for Residues and Maximum Residue Limits) (England and Scotland) Regulations of 2015. Food Standards Scotland collect samples on behalf of VMD in approved game handling establishments.
The testing of red grouse for the presence of anthelmintic compounds authorised for use in medicated feed, such as flubendazole, has been carried out since 2016 and VMD publish its annual figures on gov.uk.