EDITORS COMMENT:
I often wonder to myself, (and sometimes aloud), whether regular columnists and other scribes suffer from a total and utter revulsion to their biros (or keyboards) from time to time. I am not referring to "writer's block", a virtually incurable disease more prevalent among the blockbuster fraternity, manifesting as a total absence of ideas or inspiration, leading to alcoholism, penury, death and ultimately fame and notoriety (albeit posthumously).  No, for the regular contributor i.e. monthly, weekly, or, God forbid, daily, there must be times despite an abundance of material to work with, that they become absolutely leaden and morbid at the very notion of simply sitting in front of a blank sheet and attempting to fill it. I think you can see where this is leading. I am currently afflicted as described above, and despite some fairly robust 'encouragement' from Rory Culliton and others, I find myself more inclined to do my VAT return than write an essay on the trials and tribulations of those magnificent men on the Pharmachem Committee.  A quick inspection of the preceding mournful palaver, however, happily reveals close on 200 words (however unworthy) already committed to paper. This is good. One can almost feel the clouds lifting, the mist burning off and the watery winter sunshine beginning to filter through to a hitherto foggy and damp brain. This does not in any sense imply an improvement in quality, but at least the resentment at having to try is abating. 
One unfortunate side-effect of a clearer mind is that one is forced to acknowledge one's lack of recent participation in matters related to one's subject. In other words, my writing this article is akin to Tom Humphries attempting to describe Sonia O'Sullivan's Olympic exploits having limited his research to recent episodes of "The Simpsons" and whatever gossip he manages to overhear - which still puts him in a stronger position than myself given the recent popularity of his subject. Current gossip on the Pharmachem home front is by contrast extremely limited (or at least hasn't filtered down to Carnew yet). It is reported, however, that having reached agreement in principle on a number of topics concerning POM(E) and new legislation with the concerned parties i.e. Dept. of Ag., I.V.U., I.V.A. etc. it transpires that a fly has been located in this once smooth ointment. A case of left hands being kept in profound darkness regarding the activities of their chiral opposites (c.f. 3rd. yr. Organic Chemistry notes). I hasten to add that I am not referring to our own exalted committee here, whose left and right hands are famed throughout the land for their exquisite synergy and beautifully coordinated synchronicity. No, it's the other lot. Suffice to say that all the negotiations will be re-negotiated and the circle will once again be squared. I envisage frosty handshakes at the next summit. All part of life's great tapestry (said he from the safety of the sideline). 
I spy the end of the page. If the foregoing muddle is incomprehensible I must apologise. If on the other hand it makes perfect sense, you have my deepest sympathy. 
Best regards, 
Ian McGirr
 

LICENSING OF VACCINES

8 NEW POM(E)S
The Department of Agriculture and the Irish medicines Board have now begun the process of licensing vaccines.  The vaccines will be assessed individually by the Irish Medicines Board and over a 12—15 month period most of them will be categorised.
The products of the first two months are mostly new products (or new names).
 

Boviles BVD                     Intervet               POM(E)                                  Cattle
Bovipast RSP                    Intervet              POM(E)                                   Cattle
Tecvax Pasteurella          Vetoquinol           POM(E)                                   Cattle
Neuovac                            Merial                 POM(E)                                  Chickens
Nobiles E-coli vac             Intervet               POM(E)                                  Chickens
Pastobov                           Merial                  POM                       Cattle (Pasteurella)
Parvosorb                         Intervet                POM                                        Pigs
Hyoresp                           Merial                   POM                                        Pigs
Erysorb Parvo                 Intervet                 POM                                        Pigs
Paracox                           Schering PAM      POM(E) 
Bovidec                           Novartis                POM(E) 
Porcilis Begonia IDAL   Intervet                 POM(E) 
Insol Trycophyton          Boehringer            LM
 
 

Already registered POM(E)’s include  Mycophyt (Ringworm); Intervet; Dystosel (Vit E and Selenium); Imizol (Red Water); Dopram V; Dallophyline Gel (calf and lamb respiratory stimulent); Excis (farmed fish).
 

Organophosphate Sheep Dips:

The UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate withdrew Organophosphate Sheep Dips from the market in the Uk until such time as containers were introduced which would minimise operator exposure to Organophosphate concentrate.  This ban has recently been revoked due to political pressure.
 

WEB NEWS
Congratulations to Aidan Dolan, Carrickmacross, the first pharmacy website advised to us.  The site can be viewed at www.irishpharmacist.com and includes a free competition for customers.  We would like to hear from any members establishing new websites
 
 

PHARMACHEM VIDEO LIBRARY

NEW ADDITION:  EQUEST WORMING YOUR HORSE
Equest is best used in astrategic parasite control programme using 13 week dosing intervals to prevent parasite infection.  It is also the most effestive product available fot the treatment of established parasite infections.  However, where exceptionally high levels of parasites are present in the gut the rapid action of moxidectin may in a small minority of cases cause a ‘shock’ reaction.  In such cases it may be advisable to use a product with a slower mode of action (eg a benzimadazole) initially and follow up with Equest 3-4 weeks later.
 

LEPTOSPIROSIS
Affects:   Cattle, sheep, dogs and humans.
Bacterium:   Spiral shaped;  Main serovars which cause infection hardjo and icterohaemorrhagiae
Sources:  Urine (from infected animals)
  Streams
  Moist soil
  Contact (with infected animal)
Shedding peak from turnout to early summer  (also shed in milk)
Transmission from dam to foetus can cause foetal death and abortion or inapparent infection.  Bulls can also transmit infection.

Clinical Signs: Majority subclinical
   Abortion/Infertility
   Milk drop syndrome (agalactia)
   Redwater (not in Ireland)

Abortion is usually in the last third of pregnancy, foetus may be fresh (this may be long after infection and antibody level may be reduced).  Diagnosis may require blood test across a sample of the herd 20% or 20 animals.

Treatment:  A course of antibiotics will normally be prescribed by the veterinary surgeon.  Isolate aborting animals.

Vaccination:
Replacements:  Spring born heifers should be vaccinated in Autumn when they are at least 6 months of  age and boosted in Spring (single dose)  Autumn born replacements should receive primary vaccination once 6 months and boosted each Spring thereafter.  
Cows, once vaccinated, should be boosted annually preferably in the Spring, but vaccination of animals should be avoided one month either side of service as it seems to lower conception rates.  Vaccination will control milk drop syndrome within weeks but abortion control may take 3-4 months.
Bought in heifers or cows should be isolated and receive the full primary course before introduction to the herd (antibiotics may be appropriate in active situations).

VACCINE           PRIMARY COURSE               DOSE/ROUTE            SIZE    
Leptavoid h          2 doses 4-6 weeks apart             2ml S/C 20ml               50ml    
Trinagle Lepto     2 doses 2-4 weeks apart             2ml dose I/M or S/C   10 dose