Author/Editor		Kožuh-Eržen, Nevenka; Kobal, Silvestra; Flajs-Cerkvenik, Vesna
Title		Veterinarska zdravila in okolje
Translated title		Veterinary pharmaceuticals and environment
Type		članek
Source		In: Dobeic M, Vudrag M, Berger T, editors. Zbornik referatov 1. interdisciplinarni simpozij "DDD, zdravje in okolje" z mednarodno udeležbo; 2003 okt 17-18; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Zavod za zdravstveno varstvo,
Publication year		2003
Volume		str. 139-45
Language		slo
Abstract		Until recently the study of environmental exposure to the human and veterinary medicinal substances and their metabolites' residues has been given too little consideration. Available data shows that only a few studies have been done explaining possible exposure routes of medicinal substances in the environment. Also there is a lack of data on their possible toxic effects on non-target organisms, having an important role in the food-chain. From the ecotoxicological point of view the use of veterinary pharmaceuticals e.g. antiparasitics, antibiotics and hormones is of concern. Anthelmintics, especially avermectins, are highly effective systemic antiparasitics against internal and external parasites often used in veterinary medicine. They are eliminated through faeces mostly (98 %) in nonmetabolised, active form. Their elimination through faeces occurs regardless to the way of administration route. They are very stable in the environment. Their time of elimination and toxicity for non-target species is also very problematic. Time of elimination from the organism, possibility of bio- and photo-degradation and distribution in the environment is very important for veterinary pharmaceuticals' environmental risk assessment. In this contribution, some results of our ecotoxicological studies of avermectins and some further studies needed on this field of investigations are presented.
Descriptors		ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS DRUG RESIDUES SHEEP IVERMECTIN FECES