A new roadmap led by the UK cross-government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Group, outlining key actions to address levels of flea and tick treatments in the environment, was published this week. The key strategies seek to address the presence of fipronil and imidacloprid (active pharmaceutical ingredients in many flea and tick treatments) in rivers and streams across the UK.
The initiative by the Cross-Government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) Group focuses primarily on two chemicals – fipronil and imidacloprid – commonly used in topical parasite treatments for pets. These medicines play an essential role in protecting both animal and human health against fleas and ticks, however there are growing concerns around the amount of fipronil and imidacloprid finding its way into UK rivers and lakes .
The new roadmap outlines key actions to reduce levels of flea and tick treatments in the environment 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 three key stages of the roadmap are:
- Communication and Education (Short Term): The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) will collaborate with veterinary professionals and industry stakeholders to improve pet owner awareness about the appropriate use and disposal of flea and tick treatments.
- Evidence Gathering (Medium Term): The group will build a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of these chemicals, alongside evaluating potential consequences of changing use patterns on animal and human health. The VMD has commissioned scientific research investigating how these substances enter rivers and streams and is working closely with the Environment Agency to assess the environmental risks they pose.
- Regulatory Actions (Long Term): Based on the evidence collected, the PiE Group will support a review of international environmental risk assessment guidelines and consider future regulatory approaches to mitigate environmental risks.
See the Policy Paper here: Cross-government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Group Roadmap – GOV.UK
See the Press release here: Government publishes plan to address presence of chemicals from pet flea and tick treatments in UK waterways – GOV.UK