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The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has provided evidence to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee regarding its inquiry into pet parasite medications.
The inquiry, which began in 2024, aims to determine if widespread parasite treatments are justified despite concerns over their environmental and health impacts.
Dr Donal Murphy, deputy chief executive and head of international and regulatory affairs at NOAH, represented the association and highlighted the importance of responsible parasite use, insisting treatments are essential for animal welfare.
While acknowledging the risks, the association suggested there is a lack of supporting evidence. Murphy maintained that any regulatory changes should consider the full scope of parasite protection, including animal welfare.
He also emphasised the risks if treatments were not available, should parasite infections become harder to manage.
Murphy said: “I do not think that there is no evidence; there is uncertain evidence. As to whether there should be a precautionary approach taken, we need to recognise that these products have many benefits. These benefits were considered when the products were first authorised and they continue to be considered.
“There is a danger that these products could become victims of their own success. They prevent and treat parasites and then the view develops that there are no parasites because the products have prevented them in the first place. They have benefits and those benefits outweigh the risks, which is why I do not believe a precautionary approach is the appropriate one at this point.”
