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Guidance

19 May 2026: Be Spot-On Aware Campaign

Updated 26 May 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notifications-for-veterinary-professionals-small-animal-risks-and-threats-smart-comms-system/19-may-2026-be-spot-on-aware-campaign

Situation

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has launched the Be Spot-On Aware campaign to promote responsible use of flea and tick spot-on treatments in cats and dogs. The campaign encourages pet owners to follow three simple steps – plan, apply, protect.

Details

Spot-on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid remain safe, effective and appropriate for use. Environmental monitoring has found these substances in waterways across Great Britain at levels that may harm aquatic invertebrates.

Evidence suggests contamination can occur via wastewater (for example, washing treated pets) and from dogs swimming shortly after application.

This public awareness campaign provides key messages for clients:

  • plan: if you need to wash pets do this before treatment; time application appropriately
  • apply: follow instructions; apply to skin, not fur
  • protect: avoid swimming for at least 4 days; dispose of pipettes in the bin without rinsing; do not recycle

Additional promotional material such as free posters, social media assets and client materials are available via the campaign website.

So what?

Veterinary professionals are well placed to support clients in using flea and tick treatments effectively as part of parasite control discussions.

The Plan – Apply – Protect framework provides a simple way to reinforce key advice on application, handling and aftercare, and can support conversations where clients have questions about environmental impact.

A call for evidence is underway to strengthen the evidence base on environmental impacts. The call is UK wide and open for responses until 11 June 2026.

Further information

Message sent from the Small Animal Expert Group SIU@apha.gov.uk

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