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Written question asked by Rachael Maskell (Labour) on Monday, 9 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Veterinary Services: Insecticides

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to protect freshwater invertebrates from pesticides used in veterinary tick and flea treatments.

Answer

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is taking a range of actions to address the levels of fipronil and imidacloprid being detected in UK waterways.

Through its leadership of the cross‑Government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Group, the VMD has published a roadmap focusing on improving public awareness and promoting responsible use and disposal of topical flea and tick treatments.

To strengthen the evidence base, the VMD is funding research into environmental exposure pathways and pet owner behaviours and is working with environment agencies to improve monitoring data.

The VMD is also undertaking an evidence‑based review of distribution categories for veterinary medicines containing fipronil or imidacloprid.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
118811
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Contamination Inland waterways Veterinary services Insecticides
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk