EPA Scrutinizes Spot-On Flea Treatments
An increase in the number of incidents linked to spot-on pesticide treatments for pets has prompted the Environmental Protection Agency (Washington) to take a closer look at flea and tick control products.
Reports of adverse reactions related to flea and tick products range from mild (skin irritation) to serious (seizures and pet death), the EPA said in a news release. Incidents involve the use of spot-on treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos, the agency said, but the majority of the incidents reported to the EPA involve spot-on products.
Spot-on products, generally sold in tubes or vials, are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back.
The agency will focus on spot-ons registered with the EPA, which carry an EPA registration number on the label.
Health Canada has identified similar concerns, and will meet with the EPA and spot-on product manufacturers to address the issue.
In the meantime, the EPA is directing veterinarians to report incidents to the National Pesticide Information Center’s Veterinary Pesticide Adverse Effects Reporting portal at http://npic.orst.edu/vet.
For more information, visit www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/pets.htm. [June 2009 PET AGE]
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