[Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?

Sun Oct 28 18:39:09 EDT 2007

Veterinary drugs for companion animals are regulated by FDA's Center for
Veterinary Medicine (http://www.fda.gov/cvm/
<BLOCKED::http://www.fda.gov/cvm/> ).  

Vaccines for animals are regulated by USDA
(http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_biologics/
<BLOCKED::http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_biologics/> )

________________________________

From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie
Becker
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:55 PM
To: Volkman, Jennifer; Nancy Busen; Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: RE: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?

Jennifer you have good reason to be concerned about the health of your
pet.

The pharmaceuticals that go into food producing animals (poultry, beef,
swine, etc)  are regulated but pharmaceuticals that go into companion
animals (cats, dogs, birds etc.) are hardly regulated at all.  Which was
also the case with animal food - hence little or no regulation of pet
food prior to the big melamine pet food scandal.  

Because of lack of oversight, it is difficult to get a handle on the
quantity of pharmaceuticals ingested by dogs.   But circumstantial
evidence suggests high and growing usage.  
According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 
There are 74.8 million dogs in the U.S and 88.3 million cats.
And for the total number of pets, (dogs, cats, birds, fish, etc.) the
U.S. spend $9.2 billion on Vet Care and $9.3 billion on Supplies and
Over the Counter medicine.  Compiled by the  American Pet Products
Manufacturers Association, 
http://www.appma.org/press_industrytrends.asp

"Volkman, Jennifer" <Jennifer.Volkman at state.mn.us> wrote: 

	I have heard that veterinarian pharms are regulated differently
than those used for humans, in that full disclosure of ingredients is
not required. For example, we've been able to relatively easily research
and summarize the amount of mercury present in flu vaccines produced by
different manufacturers.  The same information is not publicly available
for animal vaccines.  I think my dog has a mild form of autism...  We
just got our first dog and I never thought about it before earlier this
week when I was reviewing mercury in flu vaccines.  I specify
mercury-free for the kids but not the dog, I feel like a bad mother!

	There are probably parallels to studies of animal feedlots?  I
think I've seen a few of those studies on this list serv.  Maybe
different pharms, but good info on migration to surface and ground
water?

		-----Original Message-----
		From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie
Becker
		Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 2:12 PM
		To: Nancy Busen; Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
		Subject: RE: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?

		Dear Nancy, As a dog lover myself, who wants to do the
right thing, I hear what you are saying.  I support dog parks and think
they could be part of the solution.  Sending dog park runoff to waste
treatment plants that eventually will remove the more environmentally
disruptive pharmaceutical pollutants is a better solution then letting
dog park runoff flow untreated into steams and rivers  

		But as far as I can tell.  No one has yet tested
established dog park run off for pharmaceuticals! So right now my
hypothesis is just that.

		A useful list of pharmaceuticals routinely used on
companion animals, can be found at a site owned and operated by
practicing veterinarians.

		Below is a list of conditions treated with various
drugs, the long list can be viewed if you follow the URL below

http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=0&Cat=1303

		Summary of Subcategories: In Companion animal drug use
from

http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=0&Cat=1303

		    * Administering Drugs & Nutraceuticals
		    * Antibiotics
		    * Antidotes
		    * Antifungal Medications
		    * Antihistamines
		    * Antiprotozoal Medications
		    * Anti-inflammatories (non-steroids)
		    * Behavior Modification Medications
		    * Central Nervous System Medications
		    * Digestive Tract, Liver, and Pancreas Medications
		    * Diuretics ('Water Pills')
		    * Ear & Skin Medications
		    * Eye (Ophthalmic) Medications
		    * Flea - Tick - External Parasite Treatments
		    * Heart & Blood Pressure Medications
		    * Heartworm Preventives and Treatments
		    * Hormones - Endocrine - Reproduction-related
Treatments
		    * Immune System - Anti-cancer Treatments
		    * Pain Relievers
		    * Respiratory System Treatments
		    * Urinary Tract & Kidney Medications
		    * Wormers and Anti-parasitics
		    * Vitamins - Minerals - Electrolytes -
Nutraceuticals

		Additional Articles:

		    * Compounding Medications
		    * Drugs to Avoid in Pregnant or Nursing Cats
		    * Drugs to Avoid in Pregnant or Nursing Dogs
		    * Generic Medications
		    * Veterinarians Allowed to Prescribe 'Extra-label'
Drugs

		Nancy Busen <NBusen at bentonvillear.com> wrote: 

			I work with a dog rescue and the mere thought of
this makes me smile. We are pooper scoopers but I'm going to have to try
to envision an alternative for urine! Thanks for the day brightener!

			We are however, working on a program for our
county and ultimately the state of Arkansas to get the unused pharms out
of circulation.

			Let me know how it works out with the dogs. 

			Nancy Busen
			City of Bentonville
			Lab/Pretreatment Supervisor
			1901 N.E. 'A' Street
			Bentonville, AR 72712
			479-271-3160
			Fax: 479-271-3163

			Protect Tomorrow, TODAY

________________________________

			From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie
Becker
			Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 3:18 PM
			To: Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
			Subject: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?

			Does anyone know of any environmental or
pharmaceutical testing at dog parks or dog runs.  I am working on dog
park regulations and since dogs are probably the second most medicated
species (everything from antibiotics to Prozac) - it seems prudent to
recommend the appropriate disposal of urine in dog parks, rather then
letting it flow untreated into steams and rivers.  Any pointers would be
much appreciated.  
			Eddie Becker
			Washington, DC

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