The government has ordered a new review into over-the-counter flea and tick treatments amid concerns that the chemical ingredients, specifically fipronil and imidacloprid, are poisoning waterways.
Recent research funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) maintained that the application of certain flea and tick treatments by pet owners is contributing to these chemicals being detected in watercourses through both wastewater pathways and when treated pets swim in natural bodies of water. Monitoring by the Environment Agency has found concentrations in surface water that frequently exceed toxicity thresholds for aquatic insects, while residues have also been found in river sediments, fish tissue, wild bird nests and coastal waters, suggesting multiple pathways by which contamination may occur.
The VMD is now considering changing the classification of the treatments from a General Sales Licence (GSL) available through any pet store to a more restrictive licence, meaning they would only be allowed to be sold from vets, pharmacists, or Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) in stores, in order to give appropriate advice to pet owners on correct use and disposal. As a result, government department Defra has issued a new “call for evidence” from the pet and veterinary trade to address the presence of these chemicals.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “This Government is committed restoring nature and cleaning up our rivers.
“We are making progress on reducing the presence of forever chemicals in our waterways and this call for evidence is another important step. These treatments play a vital role in pet health and welfare, but it is right that we look at whether they should only be made available for sale via medical practitioners who can advise the public on their correct usage.”
VMD chief executive Abigail Seager said: “We know that fipronil and imidacloprid play an important role in protecting pets and people from parasites and the diseases they can carry. However, these substances are entering our waterways and may be having wider environmental impacts.
“As part of the call for evidence we want to hear as many perspectives as possible to ensure future decisions help us maintain appropriate availability of veterinary medicines on the UK market, while protecting animal health and the environment.”
The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) responded to the announcement by expressing concern that removing or restricting the AVM-GSL route for flea and tick treatments could further limit access to essential parasite control, pointing out that there are over two million cats and dogs in the UK that are not registered with a veterinary practice, in many cases because local practices are not accepting new clients.
Furthermore, the body maintained that environmental monitoring data shows declining trends in imidacloprid concentrations in UK surface waters, with evidence indicating that sources are multiple and not limited to veterinary medicines.
NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: “Parasite control is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. While we support a thorough and transparent review, it is essential that decisions are grounded in sound science and a full understanding of the real-world impacts on animal health and welfare.
“Pet owners are already under financial pressure, and affordability directly influences whether animals receive the treatments they need. Any move that increases costs or reduces access risks leaving more animals unprotected.
“AVM-GSL products provide a convenient and effective route for pet owners to protect animals from parasites. Removing or restricting that access could create further barriers to timely treatment, particularly for those who are already unable to access veterinary services.”
The call for evidence is UK-wide and will be open for eight weeks, while the full review process is expected to take around 12 months.
Responses are invited via Citizen Space here.
