New research by the University of Sussex, funded by SongBird Survival found high levels of harmful chemicals from pet flea and tick treatment in bird’s nests lined with animal fur, leading to an increased mortality rate of chicks. An alarming, 100% of nests contained the pesticide fipronil, commonly found in ‘spot on’ flea treatments for dogs and cats, which was banned in the EU for agricultural use in 2013.
The Government’s Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stated to the charity SongBird Survival that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) are now in support of a review of environmental risk assessment guidelines for companion animal parasiticides, such as pet flea and tick treatments. The VMD follows internationally recognised guidelines for assessing the environmental risks of companion animal veterinary medicines. Defra said that a review of these guidelines has recently been proposed with the VMD’s full support.
SongBird Survival and scientists from University of Sussex have welcomed the review but want to see a timeframe. Susan Morgan, Chief Executive of SongBird Survival, says: “It is a positive step by the Government to support a proposed review into how they assess the safety of flea and tick treatments for pets, humans and wildlife. The pesticide fipronil found in these treatments is polluting rivers and is now linked to increased chick deaths in bird nests. We now need a clear timeframe for when this review will happen.”
Dr Cannelle Tassin de Montaigu, Research Fellow at the University of Sussex and lead author of the research on pesticides and bird nests says: “Our research recommended a more comprehensive review of the environmental safety assessment for veterinary drugs, after we found insecticides in 100% of tested blue tit and great tit nests. Veterinary flea and tick treatments are the most likely source of contamination.”
Professor Dave Goulson at the University of Sussex added: “The environmental impacts of drugs used on pets have been overlooked for too long. There is an urgent need to evaluate the pros and cons of alternatives so that pet owners can be advised as to the most sustainable option.”