Elanco has welcomed findings from research carried out by preeminent environmental regulatory consultancy, Cambridge Environmental Assessments (CEA), which suggest previous analyses have over-estimated imidacloprid presence in surface water, and show that levels of imidacloprid in UK rivers are decreasing.
The peer-reviewed research was published in Environmental Sciences Europe.
CEA, part of ADAS, evaluated Environment Agency water monitoring data, including test results where imidacloprid was not quantified; previous analyses in the literature had not included such information.
Matthew Frost, general manager for Elanco Animal Health in the UK, said: ‘Importantly, the research found the annual average concentration of imidacloprid has decreased by nearly 60% between 2016 and 2023, and even more striking is that more than 60% of the river sample test results are already below the level of quantification.”
Combine this information with recent research led by the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology which suggests that there has been a “significant improvement in freshwater invertebrate biodiversity in all types of English rivers over the past 30 years”, and you have a picture that suggests that the low levels of imidacloprid that are sometimes found in UK rivers is both declining and having no significant impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Mr Frost concluded: “Clearly imidacloprid levels in river water have fallen in recent years and continue to decline towards recognised targets. This is great news and we will continue to pursue responsible use and stewardship practices to ensure this decline continues.
“If you want to know more about choosing the right tick and flea treatment appropriate to your pet’s lifestyle, we encourage pet owners to speak to their veterinary surgeon or their animal medicines advisor at their local supplier. Or, of course, the Elanco website.”
