Case Evaluation

Environmental Products: Diazinon: Phase Out of all Residential Uses of the Insecticide

At EPA’s insistence, Hartz Mountain Corp. has agreed to cancel uses of several flea and tick products that may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, including hair loss, salivation, tremors, and numerous deaths in cats and kittens. In the short term, the agreement calls for new labeling of the products. The new labeling will state that the products of concern are not to be used on the most vulnerable animals, including cats and kittens that weigh less than 6 pounds, cats older than 13 years, or kittens less than 5 months old.

Through this agreement, Hartz will voluntarily stop all new production of these products by September 30, 2005 and will not sell or distribute any affected product after December 31, 2005. The company has agreed to a prohibition on sales down to the retail level by March 31, 2006.

Background

In November 2002, due to safety concerns stemming from use of certain flea and tick control products for cats and kittens, and based on an agreement with the agency, Hartz Mountain Corporation recovered, repackaged and re-labeled the available stock at that time to include stronger precautionary statements and use directions. The company also agreed to conduct a consumer education program and provide additional reporting about incidents. Since that time, EPA has continued receiving reports that these Hartz products have been adversely affecting cats and kittens. In response, EPA has been evaluating the available scientific information and closely monitoring the incident data, and has determined that additional action is needed to reduce potential risks to cats and kittens.

Product Information

The products affected by this action include:

EPA Reg No 2596-148

  • Hartz® Advanced Care™ 4 in 1® Flea & Tick Drops Plus+ for Cats and Kittens
  • Hartz® Advanced Care™ Brand Flea and Tick Drops Plus+ for Cats and Kittens

EPA Reg. No. 2596-151

  • Hartz® Advanced Care™ 3 in 1® Flea & Tick Drops for Cats and Kittens
  • Hartz® Advanced Care™ Once-A-Month® Flea and Tick Drops for Cats and Kittens (note: this registration number also includes products for use on dogs, which will remain available)

Products with EPA Reg. No. 2596-148 contain 85.7% phenothrin, 2.9% methoprene. Products with EPA Reg. No. 2596-151 contain 85.7% phenothrin. Phenothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that kills adult fleas and ticks. Methoprene is an insect growth regulator that interrupts the insect's life cycle by killing the eggs.

Consumers Should Follow All Label Precautions

When using any pesticide product, consumers should carefully read and follow label directions each time they use a product. For products that are being manufactured during the phaseout, the company has agreed to add restrictions to the currently registered products’ labels to include that these products not be used on cats and kittens that weigh less than six pounds, on cats older than 13 years, or on kittens less than 5 months old. EPA’s review indicated that these changes may reduce risks to cats and kittens in the short term while the products or uses are being phased out. It is prudent to follow the new restrictions for all products, including products that consumers may have purchased before the new label restrictions.

The label directions consumers should follow include the following:

  • Do not use on cats less than 5 months of age.
  • Do not use on cats or kittens weighing 6 lbs or less.
  • Do not use this product on debilitated, aged, medicated, pregnant or nursing animals or on animals known to be sensitive to pesticide products without first consulting a veterinarian.
  • Do not use this product if your pet has an existing health condition or is over 13 years of age without first consulting a veterinarian.
  • Signs of individual animal sensitivity which may occur after use of this product include skin irritation or hair loss at the application site, salivation, tremors (twitching of muscles), and in some circumstances, severe full body tremors
  • Animals should be observed after application for any sign of sensitivity.
  • If signs of sensitivity occur, bathe your pet with mild soap, rinse with large amounts of water, and consult a veterinarian immediately. Do not apply more than once every 30 days.
  • Do not allow your cat to lick the product.

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