https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Flea-and-Tick-Products-EPA-FAQs.aspx
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Flea and Tick Treatments: EPA's Investigation of Spot-On (FAQ)
In April 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advisory concerning approximately 70 spot-on flea and tick control products because of an increase in the number of reports of adverse reactions to the products. Reactions reported included skin irritation, skin burns, seizures, and death. In May 2009, the EPA met with the manufacturers of the products to discuss the issue. In a July 2009 advisory, the EPA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned consumers to be cautious when using these products and to consult with their veterinarian. On March 17, 2010, the EPA announced it was taking steps to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. These steps include reviewing labels to determine which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements, and developing more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for existing and new products.
The following questions and answers are based on the AVMA's interpretation of the EPA's evaluation and mitigation plan along with perspectives from various sources. If you need further clarification of the answers, or if you have additional questions, you may need to speak to an EPA representative.
Q: Why did the EPA's investigation begin?
A: Per the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the EPA is responsible for, among other things, assuring that pesticides sold in the U.S. do not cause unreasonable risks to animal health when used properly. When it is determined there is a concern, the FIFRA allows EPA to review data and take steps to reduce or eliminate risks.
When reviewing reports of adverse events, the EPA found that from 2007 to 2008, the numbers of adverse event incidents increased by 53%. There wasn't an obvious explanation for this increase, so the EPA intensified its evaluation of spot-on products to determine the cause. While the agency was performing its investigation, it advised consumers to use caution in using the products by following the label, watch for adverse reactions after product application, and seek guidance from their veterinarian about how to use these products safely and responsibly.
Q: What is an "acceptable" level of adverse events, and what level would be sufficient to trigger concern by the EPA?
EPA Evaluation of Pet Spot-on Products: Analysis and Plans for Reducing Harmful Effects | Pets | US EPA
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EPA Evaluation of Pet Spot-on Products: Analysis and Plans for Reducing Harmful Effects
The Analysis and Summary of Findings
Summary of findings
^^^
Flea and Tick Treatments: EPA's Investigation of Spot-On (FAQ)
In April 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an advisory concerning approximately 70 spot-on flea and tick control products because of an increase in the number of reports of adverse reactions to the products. Reactions reported included skin irritation, skin burns, seizures, and death. In May 2009, the EPA met with the manufacturers of the products to discuss the issue. In a July 2009 advisory, the EPA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned consumers to be cautious when using these products and to consult with their veterinarian. On March 17, 2010, the EPA announced it was taking steps to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. These steps include reviewing labels to determine which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements, and developing more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for existing and new products.
The following questions and answers are based on the AVMA's interpretation of the EPA's evaluation and mitigation plan along with perspectives from various sources. If you need further clarification of the answers, or if you have additional questions, you may need to speak to an EPA representative.
Q: Why did the EPA's investigation begin?
A: Per the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the EPA is responsible for, among other things, assuring that pesticides sold in the U.S. do not cause unreasonable risks to animal health when used properly. When it is determined there is a concern, the FIFRA allows EPA to review data and take steps to reduce or eliminate risks.
When reviewing reports of adverse events, the EPA found that from 2007 to 2008, the numbers of adverse event incidents increased by 53%. There wasn't an obvious explanation for this increase, so the EPA intensified its evaluation of spot-on products to determine the cause. While the agency was performing its investigation, it advised consumers to use caution in using the products by following the label, watch for adverse reactions after product application, and seek guidance from their veterinarian about how to use these products safely and responsibly.
Q: What is an "acceptable" level of adverse events, and what level would be sufficient to trigger concern by the EPA?
EPA Evaluation of Pet Spot-on Products: Analysis and Plans for Reducing Harmful Effects | Pets | US EPA
^^^
EPA Evaluation of Pet Spot-on Products: Analysis and Plans for Reducing Harmful Effects
The Analysis and Summary of Findings
Summary of findings
- EPA found that the products could be used safely but that some additional restrictions are needed. EPA's team of veterinarians learned that most incidents were minor, but unfortunately some pet deaths and "major incidents" have occurred. The Agency learned that the most commonly affected organ systems were skin, gastrointestinal (digestive), and nervous.
For more information, refer to Review of Enhanced Reporting of 2008 Pet Spot-on Incidents
Safety Testing: The team also found that the data we now require to determine the safety of these products for pets do not accurately predict the toxicity seen in the incidents that took place.