Recent research from France reveals that certain antiparasitic medications, known as isoxazolines, may pose environmental risks beyond what was previously understood. The study found persistent traces of these drugs in the feces of pets, even after treatment ceased, raising concerns about their impact on beneficial insects in the ecosystem.
The investigation involved 20 pets, owned by veterinary students, who received one of four common isoxazoline treatments over three months. The medications tested included fluralaner, (es)afoxolaner, lotilaner, and sarolaner, with median half-lives ranging between 15 and 25 days. Notably, fluralaner and lotilaner were detectable in feces long after administration.
Published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, the findings underscore the necessity for additional studies on the environmental contamination linked to these veterinary products. The European Medicines Agency has also highlighted the potential environmental implications of increased usage of flea and tick medications, prompting a reevaluation of existing regulations.
Isoxazolines, first approved in 2013, are favored for their effectiveness against fleas and ticks, providing long-lasting protection. However, their ability to seep into the environment through pet waste and other means raises important questions about their safety for non-target species.