What's New

Co-ordinated Research Programme (CRP) on the Development of Strategies for the Effective Monitoring of Veterinary Drug Residues in Livestock and Livestock Products in Developing Countries

1. Background

An increase in the use of veterinary drugs, including growth promoters, is a predictable consequence of expanded animal production efforts in developing countries. Unfortunately, many countries suffer from a lack of effective regulatory control of their use. The objective of this new CRP is to help Member States to develop appropriate, effective and sustainable strategies for the monitoring of veterinary drug residues in livestock and livestock products to facilitate trade between developing and developed countries.

The initial focus will be on:

• screening techniques available for the control of residues of antibiotics, anthelmintics and beta-antagonists used illegally for growth promoting purposes;
• designing national residue control programmes to meet national and international regulations for residue control;
• applying appropriate laboratory quality assurance procedures for conducting the testing for veterinary drug residues.

Specific Research Objectives:

• development and validation of screening assays (ELISA-based) for a range of veterinary drug residues.
• identify appropriate confirmatory assays for the above veterinary drug residues.
• develop appropriate sampling protocols (within an abattoir/farm/herd/export consignment) that will be sufficient to detect the presence of a range of veterinary drug residues to meet international requirements.
• develop appropriate laboratory quality assurance procedures for conducting the testing for veterinary drug residues sufficient to meet international trade requirements.

2. Current Progress

Thirty Research Contract proposals were reviewed, many of which were of a very high standard. Within the current budget allocated for the CRP about eight of the proposals will be funded. Successful applicants will be notified in the new year to allow for the work to start early next year. The first research co-ordination meeting (RCM) will establish a detailed workplan for the coming 18 months including the preparation of a logical framework for each research contract. A training module on the use of ELISAs in veterinary drug residues control will be included during the RCM. Future RCMs will be held every 18 months and combined with training modules on other aspects of residue control.

3. Timeline

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