Diazinon Ban: What It Means for Livestock Producers

If you’re in the livestock game, chances are you’ve had some chemical drums or boxes of ear tags of diazinon-based product in the shed. It’s been a go-to for controlling buffalo fly, lice in cattle and blowfly in sheep for years. According to the APVMA’s Special Gazette (10 September 2024), all registrations and approvals for diazinon-based products will be officially cancelled, and from 10 September 2025, it will be an offence to possess or use any product containing diazinon.

So what does this mean for you?

What is Diazinon, and why has it been cancelled?

Diazinon is an organophosphate insecticide that has been used in Australia for more than 50 years. It works by interfering with the nervous systems of insects and parasites like buffalo fly, lice, and blowflies. Because of its broad-spectrum effectiveness and relatively low cost, it’s been a staple in livestock parasite control, especially in dips, sprays, back liners, and insecticidal ear tags.

Like many older chemistries, diazinon has come under increased regulatory scrutiny, particularly over concerns related to residue safety, human exposure, and potential impacts on trade and environmental health.

As a result, the APVMA has made a final decision to cancel all approvals for products containing diazinon, with a total phase-out to be completed by 10 September 2025.

Buy Now, Because You Can’t Later

Let’s get straight to the point—products containing diazinon are being phased out, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. Specialist Sales has a limited supply of these trusted products, including:

Patriot Insecticidal Ear Tags (OP) – are designed to control buffalo fly for up to 16 weeks with just one tag per beast. They’re simple to apply, weather-resistant, and perfect for integrating into your long-term fly management strategy.
Nucidol 200 EC Insecticide & Acaricide – a heavy-hitter against buffalo fly and lice in cattle.
Co-Ral Plus Insecticial Cattle Ear Tags (OP) – provide up to 4 months’ control of buffalo fly, including pyrethroid-resistant strains, using a dual-action formula of Coumaphos and Diazinon for sustained, effective protection in both beef and dairy cattle.
WSD Fly Strike Powder – a versatile treatment for flystrike and as a wound dressing post-mulesing or dehorning.

These products have long been industry staples, and many producers still prefer them over newer alternatives because of how reliably they’ve worked over the years. But time is running out—supply is already tightening, and they won’t be restocked.

Important Dates

Let’s recap the timeline from the APVMA’s final decision:

Now until 9 September 2025 – Legal to buy, possess, and use diazinon products.
From 10 September 2025, possessing or using any diazinon-containing product, including leftover ear tags or treatment concentrates, will be illegal.

So, What Should You Do?

Stock up now and use before 9th September – Whether it’s drench, spray, powder, or ear tags, grab and use now before the deadline arrives..
Plan ahead – Talk to us or your vet about suitable non-diazinon alternatives for future use.
Don’t leave it too late – due to high demand, some Products are already selling out and cannot be replaced (e.g. Coopers Diazinon Sheep Blowfly Dressing and Cattle, Goat & Pig Spray).

At Specialist Sales, change like this can cause a bit of a headache, but it also gives you a window of opportunity. You’ve still got time to make the most of what works before it disappears from the market. So if diazinon has earned its place in your program, don’t hesitate.

Check Stock and Order at Specialist Sales