A study from the Netherlands[1] has detected various pesticides in samples taken from dead great tit nestlings, including active substances used to control the box tree moth, as well as two active substances (fipronil, imidacloprid) that are commonly used to control fleas and ticks in dogs and cats. Both active substances were also found on dog and cat hairs used by tits to build their nests. According to the study, these residues on the animal hairs may be especially toxic to young great tits.
Pet owners can help prevent any unnecessary increase in the contamination of birds caused by the release of veterinary medicines into the environment: Brushed-out hairs from dogs and cats should always be disposed of in the household waste.
In order to improve the safety of veterinary medicines for humans, animals and the environment, please report any suspected adverse effects in humans or animals, poor efficacy or contamination of the environment after using such medicines.
Adverse drug reactions can be reported as follows: