Pet treatments could be harming freshwater life

The use of flea treatment on pets could be causing problems in English rivers and lakes. The chemicals used in the treatments are toxic to freshwater invertebrates and have been detected in rivers across England despite severe restrictions on agricultural use since 2018. Reducing the risk posed by these chemicals requires improved scientific knowledge, better monitoring and stricter regulatory management. Vets and pet owners may have a very important part to play because they can help by simple changes in behaviour.