Pets’ antiparasitic chemicals could be contaminating rivers

An image showing a dog jumping in water

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Chemicals used in veterinary products could be reaching English rivers, threatening aquatic ecosystems

Samples from 20 English rivers have revealed toxic significant levels of fipronil and imidacloprid, two active ingredients in antiparasitic pet productswhich are toxic to aquatic organisms. While there’s no conclusive evidence that these pesticides are coming from pets, researchers believe that treated pets that are bathed, swim in waterways and transference to owners explains how these chemicals get into sewers and rivers.