Will the Seresto Collar be Taken Off the Market?
If you have read my previous writings on the Seresto, you know what answer I would like to hear to this question! I am here to tell you, it could happen.
Here’s the background story: In April of this year, the Center for Biological Diversity submitted a petition to the EPA to cancel the registration of the Seresto collar. You can download a copy of that petition here.
From their introductory letter to the EPA: “
Pursuant to the right to petition the government provided in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution1 and the Administrative Procedure Act,2 the Center for Biological Diversity—on behalf of itself and its 1.7 million members and supporters and their beloved companion animals—hereby petitions the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cancel its registration of insecticide product PNR1427, more commonly known by its brand name Seresto; Registration No. 11556-155. This product, which is registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for use on adult dogs and puppies and on adult cats and kittens for the purpose of flea and tick treatment, poses a severe risk to the animals on which it is used and to human health. According to a recent aggregate incident summary report, since this product was introduced in 2012, EPA has received over 75,000 adverse incident reports, including at least 1,698 reports linking the use of this product to pet deaths and at least 700 involving human harm.3 Because these harms amount to significant unreasonable adverse effects under FIFRA, cancellation of this product is not only warranted but essential for protecting public health, consumers, imperiled wildlife, and companion animals. In the interim pending complete cancellation of the product, EPA should take additional steps to suspend Seresto’s registration.”
Now you are probably thinking, “Big deal, a petition. Like that is going to help.” Well, it very well may! As you can see in this link, the EPA is seeking public comments on the petition, a move that I am honestly pleasantly surprised by. Yes, you can add your thoughts by clicking the blue comment box right under the title bar. DO IT NOW!
The EPA is closing comments on September 10, so it’s important to speak now, and share your experiences with the collar. We do not yet the timeframe for any actions the EPA may choose to make after September 10, but will be following the situation closely.
Please feel free to share your comments on my Facebook page.