GBMA recommends rodent control as key GMP strategy for pharma industry amid imminent leptospirosis and plague threats

Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai

The Glue Board Manufacturers Association (GBMA) has recommended that the pharmaceutical industry adopt rodent control as a critical part of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to meet global and domestic regulatory requirements. With an imminent surge in leptospirosis and plague cases, effective rodent control is becoming essential for public health and safety.

GBMA also warned that recent advisories from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), which could lead to restrictions on glue boards, may jeopardize public safety and disrupt industries reliant on these tools. The association called for regulatory clarity, highlighting that banning glue boards without viable alternatives could severely impact health standards, compromising both industry operations and national well-being.

Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry is taking proactive steps to integrate rodent control into GMP with a rising concern over the spread of rodent-borne diseases such as leptospirosis and plague. The recent surge in these diseases, both of which are transmitted by rodents, has heightened the urgency for stringent pest control measures, particularly in facilities responsible for public health and safety.

At the forefront of this initiative is the GBMA, which has long advocated for the use of glue boards as a crucial and affordable tool in maintaining rodent control. GBMA underscored that glue boards are vital in preventing the spread of these life-threatening diseases, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals, where maintaining strict hygiene is paramount.

Mukesh Patel, secretary of GBMA and managing director of Arbuda Agrochemicals, stated, “Rodents pose a significant health risk by transmitting diseases such as leptospirosis and plague. The use of glue boards in rodent control is not just a matter of industry preference, but a necessity for protecting public health. Disrupting access to such critical tools without viable alternatives will only worsen the situation.”

The pharmaceutical sector, which relies on stringent sanitary conditions, has been adopting more rigorous pest control protocols, incorporating glue boards and other rodent control methods as part of their GMP strategies. The aim is to prevent contamination of pharmaceutical products and safeguard the health of workers and consumers alike. Given the rise of rodent-borne diseases, pharma companies are looking to glue boards as part of their integrated pest management solutions, ensuring that their facilities remain rodent-free.

However, recent circulars from the AWBI have raised concerns about the future of glue boards, citing animal welfare considerations. Although no formal ban has been issued, confusion over regulatory advisories has led to misinformation, causing disruptions in industries that rely on these tools. GBMA stressed that comprehensive studies are needed to evaluate alternatives to glue boards and to ensure that public health concerns are weighed against animal welfare issues in a balanced regulatory framework.

Despite the regulatory uncertainty, GBMA has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the responsible use of glue boards, advocating for proper handling and disposal practices to mitigate any unintended harm to non-target species. As leptospirosis and plague cases continue to threaten public health, the pharma industry is rallying behind the need for effective rodent control measures, with glue boards playing a central role in maintaining safety standards.

As part of its broader effort, GBMA has launched a public awareness campaign to educate industries and pest control operators on the ethical use of glue boards. The association continues to appeal for regulatory clarity and engagement with stakeholders to ensure that effective rodent control methods remain accessible.

In conclusion, with the looming threat of disease outbreaks, the pharmaceutical industry is emphasizing the importance of rodent control as a critical component of their operational safety. The adoption of glue boards, amidst calls for regulatory reassessment, highlights the ongoing battle to safeguard public health against preventable diseases.