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Foot-and-mouth disease
Heatwaves are common across Australia, and with the ongoing impacts of climate change, they’re becoming more frequent and intense.
The beginning of February marked the end of an eight-day heatwave, during which parts of south-east Australia recorded temperatures above 40 °C. Heatwave warnings were issued in every state and territory, except Tasmania.
With temperatures on the rise, proper storage of veterinary medications and vaccines is critical. Incorrect storage can make these products ineffective, leading to treatment failures and increasing the risk of disease. It can also result in unnecessary costs from wasted products and additional veterinary care.
Every medication comes with specific storage instructions on the label or packaging insert. Following these guidelines closely is the best way to ensure product efficacy and long shelf life.
Here are some key steps to safely storing your veterinary medications and vaccines throughout the warmer months.
Medications should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area such as an office or utility room. Avoid leaving them in vehicles, livestock pens, or sheds exposed to heat and strong UV rays.
To prevent unauthorised access, lock medications away in a medicine cabinet or refrigerator, depending on the product’s storage requirements.
Many medications need refrigeration to maintain the correct temperature range (4–5 °C). For sensitive products like live vaccines, storage at the incorrect temperature can render them ineffective.
Always check the temperature requirements on the label and use a thermometer to monitor fridge temperatures, as older machinery may struggle to operate during extreme heat.
Some products, like parasiticides, don’t need to be refrigerated but still require storage at temperatures below 30 °C. To prevent damage to these products during heat waves, store them in buildings with good insulation that will stay cool.
When vaccinating or administering medications in the field, use an esky to maintain temperature control. The same applies when transporting medications. However, avoid prolonged storage on ice, as temperatures below 2 °C can also compromise product efficacy.
Certain medications are sensitive to light and should be stored in light-resistant containers. Keeping them in their original packaging is a simple way to protect against light damage.
Keeping track of stock levels and use-by dates is essential for protecting livestock health and reducing wastage. Using medications past their use-by date, or when their in-use shelf life has been exceeded, can lead to ineffective treatment and potential harm to the animals treated.
Stay organised by maintaining a record of:
Maintaining accurate and well-organised records ensures you have plenty of time to restock before products expire and helps you locate medications quickly in an emergency.
Consider using a digital inventory system that automatically tracks stock levels and sends alerts when products approach expiration.
Veterinary product labels can be accessed via the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority PubCRISdatabase.
