Comparison of the environmental properties of parasiticides and harmonisation of the basis for environmental assessment at the EU level / by Jörg Römbke, Karen Duis, Philipp Egeler, Daniel Gilberg, Christine Schuh (ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH, Flörsheim), Monika Herrchen, Dieter Hennecke (Fraunhofer-Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg), Ludwig E. Hölzle, Brigitte Heilmann-Thudium (University of Hohenheim, Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Stuttgart), Manuel Wohde, Julia Wagner, Rolf-Alexander Düring (Justus Liebig University, Institute for Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Gießen) ; on behalf of the German Environment Agency ; edited by: Section IV 2.2 Pharmaceuticals, Washing and Cleaning Agents (Dr. Nicole Adler, Dr. Arne Hein)

Abstract

Parasiticides are veterinary pharmaceuticals very frequently used in pasture animals. Particularly substances of the classes of avermectins and milbemycins are very common. These substances are highly toxic to non-target organisms, often stable in the environment (persistent) and may potentially accumulative in organisms. The present project contributes to filling environmental data gaps for avermectins and milbemycins. In addition, risk management strategies for parasiticides used in pasture animals were evaluated with regard to their efficacy and practicability reducing the risk to dung or soil organisms.