TAKING THE PAIN OUT OF LAMB MARKING: TRI-SOLFEN APPROVED FOR EXTENDED USE IN ALL SHEEP BREEDS
In a ground breaking new development for farmers, and for animal welfare – the Australian Veterinarian Medicine regulator (APVMA) has now extended the approved use of Tri-Solfen anaesthetic to include the alleviation of pain in lambs, from all breeds, undergoing castration and tail docking.
Already approved and widely used to alleviate pain in lambs undergoing mulesing, Tri-Solfen has a unique 3-way action designed to numb the wound, minimise bleeding and protect against infection. Scientific trials have demonstrated pain alleviation for up to 24 hours, and improved wound healing.
To date, 60 million lambs have been treated with Tri-Solfen, with the product available to be purchased, over the counter, from your local veterinarian or rural retailers.
On-going trials conducted by Sydney University Veterinary School, confirmed that Tri-Solfen is also effective in alleviating pain, post castration and tail docking in lambs. The APVMA has now approved the product for these uses.
“It is a win for farmers, a win for lambs, a win for animal welfare – and a win for the Australian sheep and wool industry”, says Allan Giffard, Managing Director of Animal Ethics. It provides a practical solution for farmers to alleviate the pain associated with these husbandry procedures, all three of which are relied on for important animal health and management reasons. This in turn may improve mothering-up and minimise set-back, whilst also addressing consumer concerns regarding welfare.”
“Farm animals experience pain in the same way as dogs, cats and other companion animals. They deserve the same respect and effort to develop safe, affordable and effective pain relief and wound care, that is practical for farmers to use. Tri-Solfen is the first product to successfully address this important need.”
It is currently estimated that 70 % of lambs undergoing mulesing each year, receive Tri-Solfen. Many, or most of these lambs, undergo surgical castration and/or tail docking at the same time. The approval for the extension of use means that Tri-Solfen may now be used to alleviate pain associated with all 3 wounds, at the same time. It may now also be used on all breeds of sheep. An estimated 20 million sheep are castrated, and 30 million are tail docked, each year.
Media Contact: Allan Giffard m. +61 419362283 agiffard@animalethics.net.au, www.animalethics.com.au