Ian,
 
        You are correct to recommend the use of gloves when handling
     Apistan but not for the reason you suggest. Neither Apistan nor its
     active ingredient, tau-fluvalinate are carcinogenic or "potentially
     carcinogenic". Long-term stringent tests have proven this fact and is
     one factor as to  why Apistan has been registered as a veterinary drug
     in most countries.
 
     The main reason for using gloves is that slight contact dermatitis is
     not uncommon when handling any veterinary medicines or pesticides;
     gloves can prevent skin irritation.
 
 
     To reiterate the several responses to the question of Apistan re-use,
     strips should not be reused as they have been designed (through
     extensive research at independent laboratories in France, Germany and
     the USA to name but a few) to deliver a therapeutic dose over ONE
     TREATMENT, just as most other veterinary preparations.
 
     If you use them more than once you may see mite kill but there is no
     guarantee that what you see represents sufficient control. As was
     stated earlier, underdosing may select for more pyrethroid tolerant
     mites and you put your (and your neighbours') colonies at risk.
 
     The recommendation is NOT to reuse Apistan strips.
 
 
     Max
 
 
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Apistan strips
Author:  [log in to unmask] at INTERNET1
Date:    18/07/96 05:26
 
 
On Wed, 17 Jul 1996, Bill Miller wrote:
 
> Should an Apistan strip be re-used?
>
> In a word, no.   Once they are used, dispose of them.
>
> W. G. Miller
> Gaithersburg, MD
>
 
Just an additional note to Mr. Miller's letter...
Use care when handling the strips...maybe even latex gloves....they are
potentially carcinogenic.   I cant remember the source of this info, but i
have heard it and its better to be safe than sorry, to quote an oft used
expression..:)
 
                          Ian Watson
                   [log in to unmask]