On Tuesday in the House of Lords one of only two Green Party politicians asked a question about  “Pets: Insecticides” and interestingly referred to “a recent University of Sussex study indicating the presence of insecticides, commonly used on companion animals and livestock, in the nests of songbirds”

The comment came from Natalie Louise Bennett listed as Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, who is an Australian-British politician and journalist and a former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. Her question is below with a response from Sue Hayman, Baroness Hayman of Ullock the Labour Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. So far no one has responded but that can be amended here.

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) regulation of topical flea and tick treatments for pets; and (2) of a recent University of Sussex study on the impact of these chemicals on songbird reproduction.

Baroness Hayman of Ullock: 1) Parasiticides play an important role in the protecting of animal health from fleas, ticks, and vector-borne diseases, and in protecting human health from zoonotic transfer of disease. Therefore, their regulation requires a careful balance between effective parasite control for animal health and welfare and human health whilst minimising potential risks to the environment.

To address environmental safety, every veterinary pharmaceutical undergoes an environmental exposure assessment, with products for companion animals usually ending in a Phase 1 assessment. If exposure is deemed high, a more detailed Phase II risk assessment is conducted, evaluating potential environmental impact based on expected exposure and toxicity. The findings from these assessments are considered as part of the final benefit/risk assessment during the approval process. There are also warnings that accompany products advising on use and to mitigate against dogs entering water courses directly after treatment. Environmental assessments are conducted in accordance with international guidelines and data standards.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is conducting a number of research activities to provide further evidence on environmental impacts and causes. Furthermore, the VMD supports a review of the international environmental risk assessment guidelines for companion animal parasiticides, which has been proposed and is currently under consideration by the body for International Cooperation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH).

2) The VMD is also aware of a University of Sussex study indicating the presence of insecticides, commonly used on companion animals and livestock, in the nests of songbirds. The study suggests a potential correlation between pesticide levels and reduced reproductive success. However, causality has not been confirmed, and further research is required to determine whether the observed effects are due to pesticide exposure or other factors.