University of Bristol and CVS launch surveys to assess perceptions and use of ectoparasite treatments
The University of Bristol and CVS are today launching surveys to assess the perceptions and use of ectoparasite treatments, including environmental risk, in companion animals within the UK.
The surveys are part of an ‘Assessing the Environmental Risk from Ectoparasite Treatments in Companion Animals’ overarching research project being conducted at the University of Bristol and funded by CVS’ Clinical Research Grants. The research project intends to address the many important, but yet unanswered, questions surrounding the wider impacts of ectoparasiticide use in companion animals.
The surveys are being conducted with both pet owners and veterinary professionals to develop a greater understanding of use and perceptions of flea and tick treatments used on companion animals. It will involve two in-depth surveys which will explore; the type and format of treatments used; the frequency of application; where treatments are purchased; what may influence the choice of product; whether there is an awareness of ectoparasiticides’ environmental effect; and, what preventative steps the public and clinicians would take when using the treatments on animals in the future.
At a later stage, the research project will also include laboratory assessments of ectoparasiticide residues collected from companion animals. They will provide much needed evidence-based information on the potential environmental impact of these treatments when applied to companion animals.
It is hoped the overarching research findings will help the veterinary profession develop the most appropriate approaches to prescribing and use of ectoparasiticides in the future, and inform educational strategies to support owners with ‘responsible use’. The research project is also set to benefit companion animals, as it will inform strategies to ensure the most appropriate control of parasitic burden to pets.
Prof Richard Wall, at the University of Bristol who is leading the research project, said:
“This is an issue of considerable concern. Citizen science and laboratory research evidence is urgently needed so that risk-based assessments of the impact of and requirements for ectoparasite treatment can be made. Whilst we can make some assumptions around the impact of routine ectoparasite treatments, these findings are essential for us to truly understand them - and to be able to balance the needs of veterinary patients with their wider environmental impacts.”
Lizzie McLennan-Green, Small Animal Veterinary Director at CVS, said:
“We can no longer consider veterinary treatment in isolation from human and environmental health. A One Health approach is essential. In considering our approach to preventative ectoparasiticide treatment it became quickly apparent that the evidence base was largely absent. So this research is critical to understanding the impact that treatment for ‘the individual’ can have on wider human, animal and environmental health. It will support our future decision-making - and that of the wider profession - helping us to balance patient and environmental health.
The Assessing the Environmental Risk from Ectoparasite Treatments in Companion Animals study started in January 2023 and will run for three-years as a full time PhD. It is being led by Professor Richard Wall, Professor of Zoology at the University of Bristol and a veterinary entomologist, with extensive research experience with a wide range of ectoparasites and the environmental impacts of veterinary anti-parasitic treatments. It is also being overseen by Dr Emily Bell, Senior Lecturer at University of Bristol in collaboration with colleagues at CVS; Dr Imogen Schofield, Director of Clinical Research, and Lizzie McLennan-Green, Small Animal Veterinary Director. CVS is providing £95,000 to fund the research as part of its Clinical Research Awards.
To participate in the research please complete the survey.
Within the veterinary profession, concern has been expressed over potential contribution to environmental contamination from products used in companion animal treatment for ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks. In recent years there has been a widely documented fall in the abundance of many terrestrial invertebrate populations. While this decline has been mostly linked to agricultural chemicals, there is a concern that companion animal ectoparasiticides could also be a contributing factor, with a recent study confirming the presence of common compounds used in flea-treatment in UK waterways. However, the association with companion animal ectoparasiticides is currently poorly understood, with a significant knowledge gap and little robust research available to assess the true importance and environmental consequences.