Flea Collars

[Guest guest]

Possibly people here might not use these products for their animals

but I thought I'd postit in case anyone does.

 

Jo

 

 

At EPA's insistence, Hartz Mountain Corp has agreed to cancel uses of

several flea and tick products that may be associated with a range of

adverse reactions, including hair loss, salivation, tremors and

numerous deaths in cats and kittens. The common pet product brand

names which are involved in this action include: Hartz Advanced Care

4 in 1 Flea & Tick Drops Plus+ for Cats and Kittens; Hartz Advanced

Care Brand Flea and Tick Drops Plus+ for Cats and Kittens; Hartz

Advanced Care 3 in 1 Flea & Tick Drops for Cats and Kittens; and

Hartz Advanced Care Once-A-Month Flea and Tick Drops for Cats and

Kittens.

 

In the short term, the agreement calls for immediate relabeling of

the products. The new labeling will state that the products of

concern are not to be used on the most vulnerable animals, including

cats and kittens that weigh less than 6 pounds, cats older than 13

years, or kittens less than 5 months old.

 

Hartz will stop all new production of the cat and kitten products by

September 30, 2005, and not sell or distribute any affected product

after December 31, 2005. The measures announced today will help

ensure pets are protected. Pet owners should pay close attention to

new labels and exercise good judgment when choosing pet products.

 

" EPA is taking this action because there are safety concerns with

these products,'' said Susan B. Hazen, principal deputy assistant

administrator at EPA. " Pet owners should be alerted to these

concerns, and may choose to transition to alternative products. We

take seriously our obligation to ensure that pesticide products, when

used as labeled, are safe. "

 

The company agreed to a prohibition on any remaining retail sales by

March 31, 2006. This orderly transition allows consumers and

distributors to move to alternatives flea and tick products and will

be strictly monitored. Hartz will also be notifying their

distributors and retailers of the changes in order to ensure a

workable phaseout.

 

As with any pesticide product, all label directions and precautions

should be carefully followed to ensure the product is used correctly.

It is prudent to follow the new restrictions for all products,

including existing stocks.

 

After a public 30-day comment period, EPA intends to issue a

cancellation order and an amended registration, which will be

effective by October 31, 2005. For further information, please visit:

epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/flea-tick-drops.htm

 

Environmental Protection Agency