Due to a recent sharp increase in the number of incidents being reported from the use of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for pets, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is intensifying its evaluation of whether further restrictions on the use of these products are necessary to better protect pets.

Incidents with flea and tick products can involve the use of spot-on treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos. However, the majority of the potential incidents reported to EPA are related to flea and tick treatments with EPA-registered spot-on products. Spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back.

EPA-registered spot-on, topically applied flea and tick products have an EPA Registration Number on the label (look for EPA Reg. No. XXX-XX).

Incident report summary

Adverse reactions reported from the spot-on products range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and in some cases death. Over 44,000 potential incidents associated with registered spot-on products were reported to EPA in 2008. Pesticide registrants are required by law to submit information to EPA on adverse effects resulting from the use of any registered pesticide. The seven products in the table below represent about 80% of that total.

In reviewing the list of seven products, please note the following:

• This information is subject to revision as new information becomes available;

• This information does not account for the market share of these products;

• This information does not reflect the severity of incidents;

• This information does not reflect potential misuse of the products; and

• If incidents are not reported by pet owners or registrants, this may affect the potential accuracy of this list.

In addition, a cause and effect relationship between these products and any individual adverse reaction or incident has not been confirmed. EPA is carefully evaluating all available data, including incident data, to help identify and if necessary, take prompt regulatory action to address risks. By collecting, compiling, and reviewing the incident data, EPA is able to make better decisions to reduce risks and target other regulatory activities.

For some of these products, the same product is distributed by another company under an agreement with the primary registrant. EPA requires that the label for the distributor product be identical to that of the primary product (in terms of uses of the product, precautions, etc.). Distributor products can be identified by having a three-part EPA registration number instead of a two-part number.

Regulatory agencies are taking action

Health Canada has identified similar concerns about the use of spot-on flea and tick products. Health Canada and EPA will be meeting with product manufacturers shortly to address this issue, including whether further restrictions are necessary to protect the health of pets.

For more information

For more information and answers to your questions, go to EPA's Q&A database and select "Fleas and Ticks" in the drop-down topic menu.