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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reports

EPA to Increase Restrictions on Flea and Tick Products Cautions consumers to use products with extra care

Release date: 03/17/2010

Contact Information: Dale Kemery kemery.dale@epa.gov 202-564-7839 or 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – Due to a significant increase in adverse incidents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a series of actions to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. Immediately, EPA will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements. Next, EPA will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products. EPA expects these steps will help prevent adverse reactions. In dogs and cats that can include skin effects, such as irritation, redness, or gastrointestinal problems that include vomiting or diarrhea, or effects to the nervous system, such as trembling, appearing depressed or seizures—from pet spot-on products.

“EPA is committed to better protecting the health and safety of pets and families in all communities across our nation,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “New restrictions will be placed on these products, and pet owners need to carefully read and follow all labeling before exposing your pet to a pesticide.”

Following the 2008 increase in incident reports, EPA received additional information from the pet spot-on pesticide registrants and others and began an intensive evaluation of these products. Today, EPA is reporting the results of this evaluation, and taking steps to address the spike in reported incidents.

Among immediate actions that EPA will pursue are:

· Requiring manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling, making instructions clearer to prevent product misuse.

· Requiring more precise label instructions to ensure proper dosage per pet weight.

· Requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products, and disallowing similar brand names for dog and cat products. Similar names may have led to misuse.

· Requiring additional changes for specific products, as needed, based on product-specific evaluations.

· When new products are registered, granting only conditional, time-limited registrations to allow for post-marketing product surveillance. If there are incidents of concern associated with the product, EPA will take appropriate regulatory action.

· Restricting the use of certain inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to the incidents.

· Launching a consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors.

READ FULL EPA ARTICLE HERE

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