Veterinarian's use and waste management of biocidal products and antibiotics

Two research projects were commissioned by the FPS Public Health to gain insight into the use and waste management of antibiotics and disinfectant biocides among veterinarians (pets and farm animals). The studies show that there is a need for harmonised recommendations for biocides, and that users would like clearer instructions for the correct disposal of waste.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a known and major health challenge, and the subject of the specific AMR action plan of the FPS Public Health. An earlier study focused on the general public and their use of disinfectant biocides for hands (product type 1) or surfaces (product type 2  or product type 4).

Two recent, scientific studies, conducted jointly by Ghent University and Antwerp University, target a different audience: companion animal and farm animal veterinarians. These two groups, who prescribe and/or use antimicrobials on a daily basis, were interviewed about their use and waste management of antibiotics and biocides, e.g. disinfectant sprays for surfaces in the veterinary environment (product type3).

Use and waste management of biocides

Pet veterinarians in the study are often part of a chain or network and they refer to central guidelines, including for waste management. Besides these guidelines, the survey shows that the knowledge of professionals is limited. Newly graduated veterinarians follow the guidelines they received in their university education. These results suggest that there are no harmonised protocols and standards for biocide management in this sector. In general, pet veterinarians tend to choose products with a more favourable environmental profile.

The interviews of farm animal veterinarians give a similar result, as they indicate that the guidelines for biocide waste management are unclear. Veterinarians do not distribute biocides themselves, but refer growers to specialised enterprises. They obviously point out the importance of disinfection in the context of preventing certain infections, but most use recommendations come from companies. As indicated earlier, future veterinarians receive training on the properties and use of biocides, and on disinfection protocols and waste management as part of their university curriculum.

The overall conclusion of these studies is that there is a need to establish guidelines for the veterinary sector on the use and management of waste from biocides.
The studies are available in the publications section (see studies).

Good to know : what to do with biocide waste

Waste management of biocides is a regional competence. For more information on this subject, please refer to the instructions on the product label or, failing that, to the waste regulations in your region.

Instructions for disposing of chemical waste are available via the following links for the different regions:

Brussels: www.arp-gan.be

Flanders: Klein Gevaarlijk Afval (vlaanderen.be). (in Dutch)

Wallonia: Intradel - dechets speciaux des menages (in French)