By Isle of Wight Observer
Islanders are being urged to take extra care when purchasing flea and worm treatments on-line, following a national alert over counterfeit pet medicines linked to animal harm.
The Intellectual Property Office and Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) issued the warning after a cat, on the mainland, required emergency surgery due to poisoning from a fake flea product. Tests found it contained pirimiphos-methyl, a toxic insecticide highly dangerous to cats. Symptoms include vomiting, tremors, seizures and — tragically — in some cases, death.
Counterfeit treatments often mimic trusted brands like Frontline, but may contain harmful chemicals or no active ingredients. Clues include spelling errors, foreign languages on packaging, chemical smells, difficulty opening the box, and unusually low prices.
Dr Heilin-Anne Leonard-Pugh, from the VMD, explained: “Pirimiphos-methyl overstimulates a cat’s nervous system, which can lead to severe illness or death. If your pet shows symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately.”
James Potter, IW Council’s trading standards manager, added: “Cheaper goods may seem tempting, but poor-quality counterfeits can cause serious harm. Buying illegal products also supports wider criminality, and damages honest local businesses.”
Pet owners are advised to purchase only from reputable retailers or their vet, and to inspect packaging carefully before use. Suspicious items should be reported to IW Trading Standards, or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).
In 2024, the VMD seized over 18,000 illegal animal treatments. Reports of poisoning can be made via the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), and suspicious products can also be reported to the VMD enforcement team (enforcement@vmd.gov.uk), or call 01932 338338.