Flea & Tick Treatments For Pets
A recent investigation has found that chemicals virtually banned for use in agriculture have been found in 99% of samples taken from 20 English rivers. The article in The Guardian 17/11/20, ( Article Link Here) reports these chemicals may be having a significant impact on invertebrates in these rivers and hence up the food chain to fish and other wildlife.The full research paper covering the Guardian article can be downloaded here. The washing of treated pets with the water entering the sewage system and then on into the rivers is the most likely route for its discharge, although dogs swimming in lakes and rivers could be a further source. Regretfully no samples were checked of rivers in the Thames catchment, but results of the study would suggest no reason to think that our local waters are free of this source of pollution.
It is reported that many of the treatments are unnecessary whilst there are other ways to protect pets from these parasites. The LFCC would ask all lobby their MPs to further regulate the use of these chemicals, whilst request that dog owners only treat their pets when absolutely necessary.
A suggested draft letter is available here for download for those wishing to contact their MP, and there is also an online petition here
It is hoped to make the full paper available on this website if approval from the authors can be obtained. However there is further comment available on the internet and it is understood that organisations such as the Angling Trust and Wild Trout Trust are also examining the findings of the research.
Other Reference links are listed below:
https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/news/flea-treatments-damaging-freshwater-ecosystems