Use of projectile syringe equipment and other remote delivery devices
Ratification Date: 11 Dec 2024
Policy
Systems for the remote delivery of drugs to livestock, wild animals, zoo animals or companion animals can be used safely and humanely, provided that the people involved in the procedure have required licensing, skills, competencies and knowledge.
Licensing is a state and territory-based legal requirement; veterinarians must be cognisant of, and comply with this legislation, particularly when working in more than one jurisdiction.
Non-veterinarians administering anaesthetic agents via remote delivery systems must be under the direct and immediate supervision of a veterinarian, unless identified as a state government or state veterinary board approved individual.
Background and Recommendations
There are a range of systems available for the remote injection of immobilising drugs, vaccines and other medications, including pole syringes, blowpipes and tranquiliser rifles.
Veterinarians and non-veterinarians must have specialised skills and knowledge before any attempt is made to use such equipment on an animal. All states and territories require a licence to use a tranquilliser rifle, which involves completion of a firearm safety course. In addition, some states require completion of practical tranquilliser firearm training in order to acquire a tranquilliser licence. All states and territories are encouraged to adopt licensing programs that incorporate a practical training component.
It is recognised that non-veterinarians may be required to deploy remote injection devices when veterinarians may lack adequate firearm skills, but where anaesthetic agents are administered direct and immediate supervision by a veterinarian is required because administering an anaesthetic is a restricted act. A veterinarian cannot prescribe, dispense or supply anaesthetic agents to lay persons. In special circumstances, for example emergency situations where a veterinarian may not be readily available, state government or state veterinary board/regulator-approved non-veterinarians may be permitted to use anaesthetic agents in remote delivery systems.
Human safety issues must be considered in the use of projectile syringes, particularly when immobilising drugs are being used, including the retrieval and appropriate disposal of projectile syringes and unused chemicals.
All precautions should be taken to minimise risks to human safety or to the animal’s welfare when using remote injection devices.
The selection of appropriate immobilising drugs and drug dosages requires careful consideration of a range of variables, including species, the individual animal (age, sex, mental state, health and physiological status), location and surroundings and the effect required. Members of the Australian Veterinary Association’s special interest group Australian Veterinary Conservation Biologists (AVCB) can provide advice and assistance on the selection and use of projectile syringe equipment, and on drugs appropriate for the chemical restraint of a range of species.
Other relevant policies and position statements