Overview
- The government launched a national Plan, Apply, Protect campaign that asks pet owners to change how they use spot-on treatments used by about 21 million UK cats and dogs.
- Environment Agency monitoring has found fipronil and imidacloprid in rivers and streams at concentrations that can harm mayflies, dragonflies, and other aquatic insects.
- Research funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate says these chemicals reach water through household wastewater and when treated pets swim soon after application.
- Guidance tells owners not to let pets swim for at least four days after treatment and to bin used pipettes and shed fur from treated animals.
- The VMD is reviewing how products with these ingredients are supplied, with a Call for Evidence open until 11 June 2026 that could lead to a need for advice at the point of sale.