NOAH responds to House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication
5th August 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) has today responded to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Inquiry report into pet parasite medication.
Donal Murphy, Deputy CEO of NOAH, said:
“Pet Parasite Medications are essential for animal health and welfare. Parasitic infections remain a significant risk to companion animals and, in certain instances, humans. Depending on individual animal lifestyle needs, risk-based use of effective, regulated parasite control products plays a vital role in preventing disease, supporting animal welfare, and reducing the risk of parasite transmission from pets to people. Pet owners should consult vets or advisers in retail outlets such as SQPs who can give product advice to determine the most appropriate parasite treatment based on their pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
The safety, quality, and effectiveness of pet parasite treatments is reviewed by independent scientific regulators, in the UK the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, before these products are placed on the market. This process considers the benefits and potential risks of treatment to animal, human, and environmental health with product safety remaining under review.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is an independent regulator that takes its decisions on the basis of scientific evidence. Like any regulated sector, there is regular dialogue between regulators, veterinary professionals, academia and industry so that decisions are informed by the best available evidence. Ultimately, authorisation decisions always and fully rest with the independent regulator, not industry.
Through our campaign, Use It Right, Treat Them Right, the industry is actively working to improve awareness of correct application; adherence to label warnings, including advice on bathing, swimming and disposal, and the wider importance of stewardship.
The animal health industry remains open to engage in constructive dialogue with regulatory authorities, the scientific community, vets, animal owners and government on how to address the concerns raised, including on data availability and research gaps, while also ensuring that animal health and welfare needs are catered for. NOAH supports the recently launched government “Be Spot-On Aware” public information campaign, which educates pet owners on the careful, responsible application and disposal of flea and tick spot-on treatments.’’
Notes for Editors
- For more information, please contact Matthew Gibbard, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at m.gibbard@noah.co.uk or see www.noah.co.uk
- NOAH represents the UK animal health industry. We promote the benefits of licensed veterinary medicines, products and services for the health and welfare of all animals.