A new call for evidence to address the presence of chemicals from
flea and tick treatments in rivers and streams across the UK has
launched today.
Recent research funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate
(VMD) found the application of certain flea and tick treatments
by pet owners is contributing to these chemicals being detected
in watercourses. This is found to happen through 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. Residues have also been found in river
sediments, fish tissue, wild bird nests and coastal waters,
suggesting multiple pathways by which contamination may occur.
These medications play an essential role in protecting both
animal and human health against fleas and ticks and the diseases
they may carry. However given the increasing evidence of
environmental contamination, the VMD is now considering changing
how these medications are sold.
This would mean these medicines would only be available from
vets, pharmacists, or Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), ensuring
that trained professionals can give point of sale advice to pet
owners on correct use and disposal.
Water Minister 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's Chief Executive Officer, 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.
Professor Jason Weeks, Chair of the Pharmaceuticals in
the Environment Group
I am pleased to see the VMD taking forward a distribution
category review for these medicines. This work is fully in line
with the cross-government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
roadmap and is an important step in ensuring that environmental
concerns are considered in a timely and evidence led way. It is
encouraging to see momentum building and real progress being made
on this issue.
The call for evidence is seeking views on the data on
environmental contamination, and information on how
any potential changes to their supply routes might
affect animal welfare, pet owners, businesses, and access
to these medicines.
Animal welfare remains paramount, and continued access to
effective flea and tick treatments for pet owners is a key
priority. A full ban on sale is not being considered.
The call for evidence delivers on commitments made under the
cross-government Pharmaceuticals in the
Environment Roadmap launched last year. The new roadmap
outlined key actions to address the levels of fipronil and
imidacloprid entering UK waterways while protecting animal
welfare - which includes commissioning research to better
understand this issue and using this evidence to support an
international review of environmental risk assessment guidelines.
The call for evidence is UK wide and will be open for eight
weeks.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Responses are invited via Citizen Space at here.
If you are unable to use Citizen Space, you can download the
call for evidence documents and submit your response by email
to consultation@vmd.gov.uk.
- The full review process is expected to take around 12 months,
encompassing evidence gathering, stakeholder engagement, and
impact assessment. A summary of responses will be published
within 12 weeks of the call for evidence closing. Any regulatory
decisions will be announced, with sufficient time for businesses
and others to implement any required changes.
