Vet associations share new position on spot-on treatments
Rivers and lakes are becoming polluted with chemicals from spot-on treatment.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) have shared a new joint policy on the use of animal parasiticides.
The new position comes amidst growing evidence indicating that spot-on flea treatments are contributing to the chemical contamination of rivers and lakes.
Where possible and reasonable, the organisations are now recommending that topical products are not used on pets likely to swim or be bathed after treatment. Veterinary professionals are also encouraged to work with clients to tailor treatment plans to their specific needs.
The new advice accompanies existing guidance to avoid the blanket treatment of pets with parasiticides.
Parasiticides are considered an essential medicine for preventing and treating parasites. If left untreated, these parasites can have serious implications for the health and welfare of humans and animals.
Emerging evidence has revealed that spot-on treatments are contributing to an increase in imidacloprid and fipronil in rivers and lakes. This happens through the wastewater of homes where treated pets are being bathed, as well as through treated pets swimming in these bodies of water.
This is known to have serious One Health implications, as it can result in parasites, which can be harmful to animals and humans, that are resistant to these essential medicines. It can also severely damage the ecosystems that live around these rivers and lakes.
The organisations have published full guidance on the responsible use of parasiticides for cats and dogs.
BVA president Rob Williams said: “We already encourage veterinary professionals to take a risk-based approach to prescribing these products and we would now ask vets and clients to include the animal’s swimming habits in these conversations and, where possible and reasonable, to use alternatives to spot-on treatments if they can if they are likely to swim or need frequent bathing.
“As with any medicine, each animal – and human client – will have their own unique needs and these all need to be taken into consideration when deciding on treatments.”
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The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
