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<p>Defra, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the Environment Agency (EA)
are working closely together to improve our understanding of the risks posed by chemicals
in the water environment and to respond appropriately. This includes EA monitoring
of rivers for insecticides and other pesticides to enable us to identify and act upon
any emerging issues associated with their use and occurrence in the environment.</p><p>
</p><p>Parasiticides are used in veterinary medicines for the treatment of fleas and
ticks on cats and dogs. It is possible that following their use, some parasiticides
may reach the aquatic environment. However, the environmental exposure assessments
conducted for such flea products consider the exposure of the aquatic environment
to be acceptably low. Recent research has estimated that the contribution of veterinary
medicine parasiticides to the levels of these chemicals of concern in UK waterways
to be less than 3% of the total. Such products are accompanied by advice, to users,
to keep treated animals out of watercourses for 2 to 4 days after treatment and to
avoid washing products off into the sewage system. Therefore, existing steps are taken
to reduce the exposure of the environment from parasiticides used to treated animals.
We urge people to continue to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the safe use
and disposal of all veterinary products, including flea treatment products, and their
packaging.</p><p> </p><p>Due to concerns and uncertainties raised by previous research
and monitoring data, the VMD commissioned research in 2019 to investigate the potential
environmental exposure pathways for flea and tick products. This work aims to assess
the significance of their use as veterinary medicines on the aquatic environment.
This research is due to be completed in March 2023. In addition, parasiticides may
also enter the environment from several other sources such as ant/cockroach/fly bait
products, products used in greenhouses, and possibly from products used to protect
wool, cotton and synthetic materials. The relevance of these exposure routes is yet
to be elucidated.</p><p> </p><p>Pending the findings from this commissioned research,
and other available evidence, currently the VMD does not intend to change the existing
regulatory controls on veterinary medicines, including the use of flea treatments
for pets and the existing risk mitigation warnings, which protect animal health, human
health and the environment.</p><p> </p><p>Defra will continue to consider the scientific
evidence to inform any policy decisions or other interventions.</p>
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