MïK, Flickr
The verdict? Spot-on pesticide-based flea and tick control products are safe to use, concludes the EPA, but need better labeling so that the products are not misused by consumers. The products will also be subject to further testing. (It is called "spot-on" flea and tick treatment because they are applied directly onto the pet's skin, typically between the shoulder blades once a month.)
"Immediately, EPA will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements," the agency stated on its Web site. "Next, EPA will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products. EPA expects these steps will help prevent adverse reactions." ABC News reports that "one warning expected to be on new labels: keep cats away from dogs that have just been recently treated with a spot-on product. There is a worry the cat might lick the dog's fur."
Those adverse reactions among dogs and cats, acknowledges the EPA in its published report, include "vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, itching, hair loss, skin ulceration, lethargy, nervousness, ataxia, terrors, seizure," and in the most severe cases, death. (In 2008, there were 44,263 such reported incidents, compared to 28,895 incidents in 2007, reports the Associated Press, including 600 deaths.) "Most incidents were classified minor," states the EPA report, "but all products had deaths and major incidents."















