> Pesticides Recalled After Killing Cats
>
> WASHINGTON, DC, December 2, 2002 (ENS) - Thousands of illnesses and
> deaths in cats and kittens have led to a recall of some flea and tick
> products, along with new warning labels and other protective measures.
> The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said last week that
> safety concerns stemming from use of two flea and tick control
> products for cats and kittens, led the agency to persuade the Hartz
> Mountain Corp. to enact measures to reduce potential risks to pets
> from using these products.
>
> Under an agreement with the EPA, Hartz has ceased the sale and
> distribution of Hartz Advanced Care Brand Flea and Tick Drops Plus for
> Cats and Kittens and Hartz Advanced Care Brand Once-a-Month Flea and
> Tick Drops for Cats and Kittens. The company will recall these
> products, and repackage and re-label its existing stock of the
> pesticides to educate consumers about their risks.
>
> To continue to evaluate safety concerns for cats, the EPA is also
> requiring Hartz to submit an additional animal safety study conducted
> by an independent laboratory, and to submit additional quarterly
> reports specific to cats, summarizing any incidents of toxic effects
> from Hertz products.
>
> The EPA sought the agreement after investigating thousands of
> incidents where pets suffered adverse effects from the products.
> Complaints included minor problems such as skin irritation or hair
> loss at the application site to more serious effects on the nervous
> system, such as tremors, convulsions and sometimes death.
>
> The relabeled products, which will start appearing on store shelves
> over the next several months, will include stronger precautionary
> statements and use directions. Under the revised use directions,
> application of the products will be limited to a single spot applied
> on the back of the animal's head, reducing the likelihood that the cat
> will lick and ingest the chemical.
>
> The new labels will also direct users to consult with a veterinarian
> before use of these products on debilitated, aged, medicated, pregnant
> or nursing animals, or animals known to be sensitive to pesticides.
> The labels will advise that cats should be monitored after application
> of the product and if any adverse symptoms are observed, the animal
> should be washed with mild soap and rinsed with water and evaluated by
> a veterinarian.
>
> The EPA is also requiring Hartz to conduct a consumer education
> program, which will include a web site, direct mail campaign to pet
> owners, pet stores and veterinarians on the new safety improvements.
> If consumers choose to return either of the two Hartz products, the
> company is expected to exchange it for the relabeled product or refund
> the purchase price.
>
> The company is also required to improve labeling on individual tubes
> of the affected products to help ensure consumers are using them
> correctly.
>
> For more information on the EPA's action, visit:
> http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/hartzq_a.htm
>
> For information regarding the product recovery and label improvements,
> consumers may contact Hartz by phone at: 800- 275-1414.
>