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Dipping or immersing of animals in solutions of chemicals for control of various pests and/or diseases has been found to be an effective and efficient means of treating these pests and diseases for many years by producers all over the world. In recent times however, there have been a number of new methods of application which result in control of pests without the disadvantages associated with dipping e.g. infrastructure and disposal of dips. These are especially clear in relation to the livestock industries where pour-ons and backline treatments and use of endectocides are gradually replacing use of dips and sprays.
One of the disadvantages of using dips as a method of treatment is that there are used or spent dipping solutions which must be disposed of once the dipping process has been completed. This situation is complicated further by the fact that there are a number of different chemical groups which are used in dipping procedures and disposal procedures are not always suitable for all these groups or even for all chemicals within a group.
Animal Health Alliance (Australia) Ltd is monitoring Federal and State Government outcomes on guidelines for disposal of dips. While dips are used primarily in animal health, they may also be used in some produce management.
Government concerns revolve around the use of in-ground dips without appropriate stewardship measures in place for environmental management, including clean-up and remediation.
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