Scientists raise alarm over general but ‘very worrying’ veterinary advice for pet owners: ‘veterinarians must stop’

For a pet owner who wants to keep their dog flea-free, flea treatments seem like a good idea. But new research suggests that toxic chemicals in these treatments have a much wider reach – and polluting impact – than previously suspected.

What is going on?

The University of Sussex and Imperial College London recently published research in the journal Science of the Total Environment that tracked the presence of two insecticides – fipronil and imidacloprid – found in commonly prescribed flea treatments. Researchers found that not only did the chemicals linger on the hands and in the homes of pet owners for 28 days after application, but their residue entered and contaminated local water sources.

Dave Goulson, a biology professor who oversaw the research, told the Guardian: “These two chemicals are extremely potent neurotoxic insecticides and it is of great concern that they are routinely found in the hands of dog owners through constant contact with their pets. also be angry when you hear that they are accidentally polluting our rivers by using these products.”

Why are these chemicals so harmful?

Imidacloprid belongs to a group of chemicals called neonicotinoids or neonics, which are also widely used as insecticides. However, research into the dangers of neonics has led to their ban in the EU. Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency still allows neonics to be used in agriculture.

Neonics have been linked to neurological problems, birth defects, heart damage and memory loss. And because neonates are still measurably present in households a month after applying a flea treatment, good risk assessments for these treatments need to be made, according to Goulson.

“When we get our hands on them, these neurotoxins will be everywhere in our homes,” he said. “That doesn’t seem healthy to me.”

This discovery is of great concern to families, especially when it comes to young children and pets, who may be at increased risk of long-term exposure to neurotoxins in their homes. Community awareness and safer practices in flea treatment can significantly reduce this hidden health hazard.

These toxins also harm wildlife, from birds to deer, fish and more. Guy Woodward, a professor of ecology who was also involved in the research, said that “despite these chemicals having been banned in open-air farming for years, we are still finding them in Britain’s freshwaters at levels that could be harmful are for aquatic life.”

And unfortunately, it appears that flea treatments are making a much bigger contribution than previously thought. The study found that they are responsible for an estimated 20-40% of wastewater pollution.

Conservation of wildlife and the environment is also important because ecology is often a delicate balance, where a struggling animal or plant species can suddenly cause a domino effect that can lead to a number of other problems.

What is being done?

“I would argue that veterinarians should stop encouraging dog and cat owners to use these treatments prophylactically,” Goulson suggested. “If an animal doesn’t have fleas, why treat it for fleas?” He also recommended washing pet bedding often to kill the larvae.

When it comes to agricultural use, many groups are calling for a complete ban. But until then, some researchers are trying to optimize the application to avoid overspraying, while others are exploring alternative methods to keep insects at bay.

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