Policy paper

Cross-government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Group Roadmap

Published 22 July 2025

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The cross-government Pharmaceuticals in the Environment Group (“The Group”) have set out a roadmap of activities to address the levels of fipronil and imidacloprid detected in UK waterways.

The following workstreams focus on authorised topical parasiticide products (spot on and collars) for cats and dogs. Activities, research and learnings could be extended to other veterinary medicines, as appropriate.

Communication and Education

Immediate

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) will collaborate with veterinary professionals and industry to enhance and promote consistent messaging to users on the appropriate use of cat and dog topical parasiticides, aiming to reduce potential environmental impacts

Evidence Gathering

Medium Term

  • The Environment Agency, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency will harmonise approaches and determine overall trends for the levels of fipronil and imidacloprid across the UK to support assessment of progress.

  • The Group will engage with academia to identify and prioritise research needs relating to cat and dog topical parasiticides and improve collaboration opportunities.

  • The Group will investigate all potential sources of fipronil and imidacloprid, such as biocides (HSE), imported fabrics (EA), imported produce (HSE), manufacturing, use of historical agricultural products, off label and illegal use.

  • The VMD and Defra will collaborate with veterinary professionals to assess how changes in product usage might impact animal welfare, animal health and public health.

  • The Group will encourage veterinary professionals and organisations to generate and use evidence to determine the optimal use of cat and dog topical parasiticides.

  • The Group will use this evidence to improve understanding of any issues relating to cat and dog topical parasiticides and inform future policy activities.

Regulatory Actions

Long term

  • The four environment agencies will establish and agree on Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) values for fipronil and imidacloprid.

  • The VMD will utilise the data collected to support a review of the VICH Environmental Risk Assessment guidelines

  • The VMD will consider the environmental risk assessment process for pet parasiticides working within the international regulatory framework.

  • The VMD will use the evidence gathered in the medium term to consider any future regulatory actions.
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