Safety for the environment of a feed additive consisting of diclazuril (Coxiril®) for chickens reared for laying and pheasants (Huvepharma NV)

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety for the environment of diclazuril (Coxiril®) as a coccidiostat feed additive for chickens reared for laying and pheasants. In its previous assessments, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) could not reach a final conclusion on the risk resulting from the use of diclazuril in acid soil from Coxiril®. On the basis of the new data provided, the FEEDAP Panel updates the previous conclusions as follows: no risk is expected for the terrestrial compartment and for sediment when diclazuril is used in chickens reared for laying and to pheasants at the proposed condition of use (in both acidic and non-acidic soils). No concern for groundwater is expected for both acidic and non-acidic soils. Due to the lack of data, no conclusions can be drawn for the aquatic compartment. Diclazuril does not have the potential for bioaccumulation; therefore, a risk of secondary poisoning is unlikely.

Keywords: chickens reared for laying; coccidiostat; diclazuril; pheasants; safety for the environment.