Toxic chemicals in pet flea treatments harming wildlife, UK study warns

Chemicals that are banned for use as pesticides but still used in flea treatments are harming wildlife, says a study. Photograph: Simon Leigh/Alamy

Toxic chemicals found in pet flea treatment are devastating wildlife in rivers, parks and special conservation areas and the government should take urgent action to limit their use, according to a study.

Chemicals that are banned for use as pesticides but still used in liquid flea treatments are causing potentially irreversible harm to aquatic life as well as decimating birds and pollinators, according to the study published on Thursday.