Government to address flea and tick treatments in waterways
The plan will primarily address fipronil and imidacloprid, found commonly in flea and tick treatment.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has unveiled the government’s plan to prevent chemicals found in topical parasite treatments from entering the UK’s waterways.
Devised by the Cross-Government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) Group, the plan primarily addresses fipronil and imidacloprid, found in flea and tick treatments.
Although these medicines are essential in protecting animals and humans from fleas and ticks, there have been concerns about the amount of these chemicals finding their way into waterways. This can cause significant issues to the environment, as well as risking antimicrobial resistance.
The Government’s roadmap outlines three key actions, which it says will reduce levels of flea and tick treatments entering the environment while continuing to protect animal welfare.
The first stage of the roadmap is a short term stage, which will focus on communication and education.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) plans on working with veterinary professionals and industry stakeholders for this goal. Together, they will promote awareness among pet owners about the appropriate use and disposal of flea and tick treatments.
A medium term stage will focus on evidence gathering, as the group aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of the chemicals. Alongside this, they will evaluate the potential consequences of changing usage patterns on both human and animal health.
The VMD has commissioned research which will explore how fipronil and imidacloprid enter rivers and streams. It is also working closely with the Environment Agency to assess the risks they pose to the environment.
In the long term, the group will assess what future regulatory approaches could be implemented to mitigate environmental risks. This includes a review of existing international environmental risk assessment guidelines.
Abigail Seager, chief executive officer of the VMD, said: "This roadmap represents an important step forward in ensuring that the benefits of effective parasite control are maintained while taking necessary actions to reduce environmental risks.
“It reflects our commitment to an evidence-based approach, working closely with partners across government to protect both animal health and the environment."
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