Chlorfenvinphos Chemical Review

Chlorfenvinphos is an organophosphorus insecticide and acaricide. In agricultural industries, chlorfenvinphos was formerly used in Australia for the control of insect pests in pasture, lucerne, potatoes and mushrooms. In animal husbandry, chlorfenvinphos continues to be used in the control of ectoparasites on cattle, horses, deer, goats and working dogs.

In December 2000, the APVMA released the Chlorfenvinphos interim review report. The APVMA was satisfied that the use patterns of chlorfenvinphos could be varied to manage the potential risks identified in the report.

The APVMA recommended cancelling agricultural uses of chlorfenvinphos and placing restrictions on veterinary uses. This included strengthening label warnings and modifying the design of containers to minimise worker exposure.

An assessment of the safety directions for chlorfenvinphos products was completed in January 2003. Product labels were updated in 2004 with revised safety directions to reduce worker exposure risk. These changes have been adopted in the first aid instructions and Safety directions handbook.

Labels for all veterinary chlorfenvinphos products have been updated in accordance with the recommendations from the Chlorfenvinphos interim review report.

In addition, one chlorfenvinphos product contained instructions for use on sheep and was therefore also subject to the outcomes of the sheep ectoparasiticides review. In 2011, the registrant voluntarily amended labels to no longer include the instructions for use on sheep, enabling the APVMA to finalise the review of chlorfenvinphos.

As no further changes to existing products have been identified, a final report for chlorfenvinphos is not warranted.