Message Board
June 2010
CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
(03/02/10) Carella, Byrne, Cecchi, Olstein, Brody & Agnello, P.C., has filed a complaint seeking class action status on behalf of pet owners whose household pets were allegedly injured or killed by certain flea and tick products. The complaint was filed in United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against three pet product companies.
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief in the form of a recall of the offending products, a refund of the purchase price, for compensatory damages, punitive damages and other relief.
For additional information concerning this lawsuit, click here.
If your pet was harmed by a flea and tick product, and you would like to participate in this class action to help get these products off of the market, please contact:
Jacqueline Mottek
Positive Legal Group
415.302.5371 (cell)
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ANOTHER CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
A class action law firm Green & Pagano LLP is currently investigating complaints from
New Jersey and New York residents whose pets were harmed by spot-on products.
If your pet was harmed by a spot-on product within the past couple years and you live
in New Jersey or New York, please go to: www.SpotOnComplaints.com
or call Michael Green at (732) 390-0480.
For additional information concerning this lawsuit, click here.
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I live in central Minnesota, and we had an atypical spring with above average temperatures
in March and April. I found two ticks on Katie my 9-year Schipperke (who has epilepsy). I have lived there for 16 years and these are the first ticks I have found. The vet recommended Vectra 3D even though there is a cat in the house, and I told her the cat grooms the dog. I
got the product on April 23, but I was reluctant to use it. I had a bad experience with a flea powder (Hartz) about 20 years ago and have been fortunate not to need any pest control.
I didn't use the Vectra until last week when I found two more ticks. Because of the cat, it seemed like a good idea to apply it when Katie and I were out of town. It seemed like I had
no choice, I empathize with those parents who are afraid to vaccinate their children. I read the insert and label and applied it as directed. Within an hour she started panting and running around and around. This went on for hours--all night. I looked at her skin and didn't see any redness (I feel so stupid). I called the vet as soon as they opened (8:00 am) and instead of having me bring her in to a local vet, they said wait for a call back. They acted like this wasn't a medical emergency!!!!!!!! They didn't call until 6:15 and then it was the Dawn wash. I am fortunate she improved rapidly, but I am so upset over the recommendation and how I was treated.
Debi 6/2/10
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I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for starting this website & alerting pet owners of the tragedy of flea & tick remedies. I knew nothing about these issues. The way I came across your website was through a random Dogpile search in my attempts to find out more about a product that was unfamiliar to me called "BioSpot" sold through Amazon. I am now aware of the Pyrethrins/Pyrethroid concern and will stay away from products containing any
such ingredients. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to alert the general public.
Theresa 6/2/10
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This email reflects a personal experience that I have been mailing and posting to the media, organizations such as the EPA and PETA to alert pet owners of the harm ProMeris caused to my 4 year old male cat Preston.
Below is a letter/email I began mailing and posting today to alert the public of the harm ProMeris caused to my beloved feline companion of 4 years. Not to mention, the emotional distress his sudden and preventable passing has caused to me. As I am left with nothing but a costly veterinary bill. Please find enclosed several emails and posts circulating which further supports that my claim is not an isolated incident. There are many more available upon request.
WARNING dated 6/2/2010: In Memory Of My Precious Preston - ProMeris flea prevention/control dangerous to your pet/pets.
I wish I would have goggled and read through the numerous posts that warned about the dangers of using ProMeris before applying it to my sweet boy. I can assure you that this is not an Urban Legend - as I just lived through it.
I applied ProMeris to my four year old domestic black and white male cat Preston on Friday, May 29, 2010. On June 1, 2010 I had to put him to sleep due to kidney failure. Although, his vet couldn't say for sure that it was the ProMeris. She did say that some poison/toxin caused the failure. Preston was a healthy and happy cat until I applied this product. Now after a four day stay in the hospital he is no longer with me. His vet's attempts to flush his system with fluid therapy and antibiotics in hopes of restoring normal kidney functioning couldn't undo the damage. This product is extremely dangerous and should be removed from the market until
its safety can be guaranteed.
Heartbroken in Florida
Elena 6/4/10
I just got off the phone with a Dr. Laura Beres from Fort Dodge/PFIZER. She has informed me that they will not be compensating me for the loss of my beautiful boy, Preston. They are not even willing to pay the vet bill, which is all I was seeking anyway. I do not know how to proceed. I have repeatedly contacted attorneys including the ones you have listed on your website. I have not heard from any. What do you advise I do. I remain extremely upset about losing him in such an horrific manner. I don't want to have to worry about being sent to collections, because of an partially unpaid vet bill. I don't have the money to pay the rest of the bill. And I don't believe under the circumstances, I should have to.
Thanks for all your information available on the website, and any suggestions.
Elena 7/16/10
Thank you for the update. I am very sorry to hear that Fort Dodge (Wyeth) is not willing to help you by reimbursing the vet expenses.
Here's an attorney that is currently seeking cases which involve adverse reactions to ProMeris:
Another possible option would be to file a lawsuit against Fort Dodge/Wyeth in your local small claims court. You don't need a lawyer to represent you. Here's an article about a small claims court case against Hartz:
Here is some additional information about the Hartz case:
You have a better chance of winning a small claims court case if your state allows you to opt for a jury trial. Even if you don't win the case, it shouldn't cost much to file it and it would force Fort Dodge/Wyeth to spend money defending themselves.
James TerBush
Website Administrator
Re: The use of ProMeris killed my cat
I have tried to retain an attorney to fight Fort Dodge but none seem to even want to take the time to say, no thanks! I've contacted and contacted the ones listed on your website and haven't heard back to date. I am frustrated and sadden. I feel as if I've let Preston down because, although, I sent out numerous post and letters to all local and national television and radio stations only one mentioned Preston's experience. And that was Doug Stephan's early morning radio show. I have researched small claims court but was told that I might have to file in PA where Fort Dodge is located. They told me to contact an attorney to be sure. So, I feel as if I am right back to square one.
I must admit, I have distanced myself from it for a while because three weeks ago, this Friday, I had to say goodbye to the last of my feline companions. My 16 years old Maine Coon, Taz was put to sleep due to age related complications. I have also been dealing with my mother's failing health since March when she had a stroke. On the brighter side, I have decided to write my first non-fiction, a tribute book, in memory of my beloved animal companions and invite anyone who has loved, and lost a companion animal to share their experience by submitting
to tributestories@yahoo.com.
If you can offer any further suggestions and advice I would be most appreciative as always. Keep up the good work of spreading the dangers of these horrid products and thanks for fighting the good fight for all of us.
Elena 9/15/10
I just spoke with another attorney and I am hearing the same sentiments over and over again. How it will cost me more to pursue a case even in small claims then what I will get. The courts just don't recognize a companion animal as anything beyond personal property. This is so frustrating and makes me so angry. I miss my Preston and wish I would have stumbled across your website before and not after. I will continue to do my part to spread the word. It is a promise I made to Preston that I intend to keep. It just seems as if no one cares or is listening. I sent out so many letters and emails and received very few responses. Even on my facebook page people are just not understanding the dangers of these products. What's it going to take beyond more animals needlessly being harmed and dying! I intend to continue my search for a class action suit against ProMeris. I would like permission to post a link to your website on Preston's blog. I would also like permission to post his picture on your website. I can't remember if I sent one to you. If so, my apologies. It has been an emotionally grueling four months for me.
Elena 9/23/10
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Yesterday was horrible! We live in North Texas and the temperature is consistently hitting 95+ so far in this summer. When i woke up yesterday I started to take my beloved Dachshund / Corgi mix outside for his usual routine when I noticed he had chewed a small portion of hair off the front of his paw. I knew it was getting that time of the year when fleas & ticks really start biting so I decided to make the drive to the local Petsmart to get some Frontline like I do every year this time. As I walked in there was this giant cardboard display of Bio Spot Spot on flea treatment. I would of not payed it any attention but there was a giant price tag that said $19.99 (9.99 with pet perks card). I started thinking that this was a great price and it said on the display the usual crap about how it compares to the leading brands. I grabbed a box and went on further to get Brody a new toy and some treats.
My buddy loves to go to the pet store, he knows that when we go he gets rewarded for being a great companion by getting a new toy. His tail wags, and he just loves all the other people there. I walked to the back of the store where the Banfield clinic is and asked the tech behind the desk what she thought about Bio Spot products. She said that she had never heard of any adverse affects and that the store seemed to be selling so much of it that they had extra boxes at the Banfield desk. I inquired about the cost of Frontline and she quoted me 59.99 for a 4 month supply.
This is where I make the stupid decision to save a few dollars and get the Bio Spot.
We head back to the house and I apply the spot on just like every other spot on. A few hours pass and I notice Brody is very lethargic. This is not at all like him and so I get out his new toy and try to entice him into playing. He just lays there and looks depressed. I then try plan B and get the treat jar down. He is still laying there. I decide that maybe he is just tired from all the heat and I decide to let him rest.
Four hours later (Six after treatment) he is still asleep on the couch. Nothing I do can seem to gather his attention. I decide to take a drastic measure and turn the TV on to Animal Planet. My dear Brody loves to see other dogs outside but for some reason he freaks out when they are on TV (much to my annoyance). There are literaly tons of barking dogs and he is still laying there pouting.
I decided maybe I should google Bio Spot and see if there are any side affects that I missed out on. I mean how could a store and a Vet tech tell / sell me something was safe that really was not. I stumbled upon this site and after reading a few horror stories I still was not convinced that my Brody was suffering from some of the same problems. After finding a few more sites, and a quick call to my vet (the one i should of went to in the first place) I determined that he was in fact suffering from a reaction to a Bio Spot product. I started to get a bath ready with some baby shampoo that the Vet recommended when I heard a loud slamming noise. Brody was on the ground breathing heavily and making a weird whining noise. I washed him immediately after I calmed him down and rushed him to a local animal hospital. They treated him and gave him some anti-biotics that will stop the spread of the poison. This all took place only 8 hours after I treated him. How could I do this to my best friend. While he was at the clinic they shampoo'd him with some special conditioner and placed a cone around his head for the night so he could not lick himself.
I wake up this morning after a horrible day only to find my buddy at my feet with his new toy ready to play. Its like he was a new dog. He is doing great and the Vet called to check in on him and all seems well. Thankfully this site helped me to act quickly enough to save my friend. Please everyone who is considering cutting corners in life on things like this to save a few bucks, just think of how much their life is worth to you.
Joey 6/6/10
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(Below are comments that were submitted to the EPA by the Humane Society of the United States in response to the EPA's evaluation of pet spot-on products and risk mitigation plan)
Comments by
The Humane Society of the United States and
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association
In response to the Federal Register announcement published
March 18, 2010
Docket Number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0229
Pet Spot-On Analysis and Mitigation Plan
Submitted May 17, 2010
These comments are submitted jointly on behalf of both The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and its more than eleven million members and constituents, along with an affiliate program, The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA), which is a professional organization representing more than 2,000 veterinary professionals nationwide, with a focus on the health and welfare of all animals, including companion cats and dogs.
As animal welfare and veterinary medical professionals, animal lovers and pet owners ourselves, we understand how important it is to control external parasites on felines and canines in order to insure their general comfort and to prevent the spread of transmissible, insect-borne diseases such as tick paralysis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, West Nile virus, tapeworms, heartworm disease, and other insect-related medical conditions such as flea bite anemia and flea allergy dermatitis. For these reasons we also understand the necessity for safe, effective and convenient products to prevent or minimize insect bites and infestations on pets.
It is disturbing to discover that there have been a substantial number of incident reports, filed by both veterinary professionals and by members of the general public, involving dog and cat flea and tick spot-on pesticide products. We are pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in response to this substantial number of incident reports, solicited more detailed feedback from those reporting in 2008 with the aim of reducing future incidents. We also appreciate this opportunity to provide constructive suggestions regarding improvements to the safety and effectiveness of these products.
1. HSUS/HSVMA Agreement with EPA Planned Improvements to Existing Safety Practices
We agree with many of the items the EPA lists in their mitigation plan as improvements to existing safety practices for spot-on pet products, including:.
A larger number of narrower weight range categories more clearly marked on product packaging to insure more precise dosing of cats and dogs is essential.
Generally improved labeling, including the use of larger type size, more prominent warning statements and clear and improved diagrammatic application directions in addition to clear and improved detailed written instructions is necessary.
Expansion of species-appropriate product packaging and directions, including use of photos of only the appropriate species on packaging, the species name in distinct type in multiple locations, and clear warnings, including both text and diagrams, about NOT using the product on inappropriate species should be present.
Warnings about possible secondary toxicities to other companion animals, such as kittens, puppies, geriatrics, ill or infirm, allergic, pregnant or lactating animals when spot-on pesticide products are used on multiple animals in the same household.
2. HSUS/HSVMA Suggested Enhancements to EPA Planned Improvements to Existing Safety Practices
The following are suggestions for enhancements to the EPA planned improvements for safety practices:
Expanded warnings on toxicity labels, listing potential side effects, should be included. We recommend expansion of these label warnings to include descriptions of possible adverse reactions for the animals, not just the humans, in the household. Terms describing potential side effects such as tremors, seizures, vomiting, excessive salivation, coughing, dilated pupils, shortness of breath and death should be listed alongside the corresponding chemical(s) that may produce these effects.
Directions on how to proceed if a pet seems to be experiencing any of these side effects should be included. National poison control hotline phone number(s) and directives to seek immediate veterinary medical care should also be included.
A warning about any chemical that is “possibly, probably or known to be carcinogenic to humans” according to EPA classifications, should appear in bold print on all packaging.
Warnings about concurrent use of pesticide spot-ons along with other drugs and/or topical medications a pet may be taking and potential for hazardous interactions among them should be included.
Products containing pyrethrin, permethrin and phenothrin, should display warning labels stating specifically that they should be limited to use on dogs in cat-free dog-only households. Multi-species households, containing both dogs and cats, should not use such spot-on products on their companion dogs since cats receiving secondary exposures via contact with a treated dog(s) may suffer adverse reactions to these dog-only products.
3. HSUS/HSVMA Disagreement with EPA on Approach to Improvements to Existing Safety Practices
We disagree with the approach the EPA proposes to maintain in terms of the continuing non-disclosure of inert, or non-active, ingredients.
By its own admission the EPA states, “These (inert) ingredients may have been responsible for a number of the incidents as some have toxic properties…” and acknowledges that “…cats are sensitive to many chemicals because of a decreased ability to detoxify chemicals compared to other species.” However EPA also states that “Because these ingredients are considered confidential business information, they are not reported here…” We believe the proprietary nature of inert ingredients could be retained by revealing their identities, but not their exact amounts or proportions, in product formulations.
Since pesticide products’ active and inert ingredients may individually cause potential toxicities, it is absolutely essential to disclose all product ingredients, including the inactive or inert ingredients in the formulations. By their design, these products are intended to be applied directly to the skin of companion animals. How can pet owners be informed consumers of these products if all ingredients are not disclosed? Not only is the spot-on applied directly to pets, but pets often live as members of households that include other pets and humans, including small children, ill or infirm and immunocompromised individuals. All individual animals and humans have personal medical histories that may include unique sensitivities and concerns.
4. HSUS/HSVMA Recommended Precautions Beyond EPA Mitigation Plan
While we support the significant improvement of spot-on product labeling, including the use of species-specific pictograms and tighter weight ranges, we believe these changes do not go far enough in preventing the possibility of adverse effects and the consequent suffering cats and dogs have experienced due to the application of spot-on products.
Based on a review of the information made available in March 2010 via the webinar on spot-on products and their adverse effects convened by the EPA, documents available on the EPA website, and research conducted by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) on the chemicals used in these and other flea and tick products, we recommend the following additions to the mitigation plan:
Generally speaking, we recommend that a precautionary approach be the guiding principle in evaluating the safety and efficacy of spot-on ectoparasite pet products. That is, begin by assuming that pesticide products, by definition, may be harmful to companion animals until proven otherwise. Therefore, always encourage consumers to exercise significant caution when using these products on their pets.
Consumers typically assume that over-the-counter medications or products are safer than prescription-only pharmaceuticals. Clear acknowledgement should be made on packaging and in product inserts that these spot-on products are pesticides, and not medications.
We recommend that statements appear on the products stating that consumers should consult with their veterinarians before using them regarding the necessity for ectoparasite control, the spectrum of such control, and the appropriateness of particular spot-on products in the context of the overall health, welfare and lifestyle of the companion animal.
Additionally, we recommend statements to the effect that regular vet care for their pets should be sought by consumers of spot-on products in order to reaffirm the medical appropriateness of their continued usage. For example, these products may be contraindicated in cases of particular illnesses, especially those involving the dermal, gastrointestinal and neurological systems--which have been identified by the EPA itself as the systems most negatively impacted by these products in incident reports--and the immune system.
Because an animal has visited a veterinarian within the past year and appears to be clinically healthy does not guarantee the pet’s health. There can be underlying renal or hepatic abnormalities which may manifest only upon laboratory blood and urine analyses. Cardiac or respiratory abnormalities are often first discovered during auscultation with a stethoscope. By its own admission the EPA notes that “…many cat owners estimate their cat’s weight and do not know the actual weight.” We believe this is generally true for many dog owners as well. In order to dose these products safely and effectively current pet weights must be known before usage. An accurate current pet weight is best obtained in the context of a veterinary visit prior to application of a spot-on product. Furthermore, the EPA, in referring to a canine permethrin product, states that “…this product is sold by veterinarians with a resulting high compliance rate for proper use…” We believe higher consumer compliance rates for proper use of all over-the-counter spot-on products will also best be achieved via regular veterinary consultations before usage.
Finally, we recommend that professional education bulletins about spot-on products, including the demographic profiles of animals historically most effected (Small-breed dogs, less than 3 years old, weighing between 10-20 pounds and domestic short hair cats between 5-15 pounds) be regularly distributed to veterinary professionals in timely print and/or on-line formats.
The HSUS will continue to advise its members and the general public about the potential dangers to both humans and companion animals of over-the-counter flea and tick pesticide products, and will recommend the use of safer agents such as insect growth regulators, repellants, and other control methods as described by the NRDC’s Greenpaws website at: http://www.greenpaws.org/docs/GP_productlist.pdf.
We thank the EPA for the opportunity to comment on these products which are so readily available and widely used to combat external parasites on pets. We appreciate EPA’s consideration of our recommendations, and we encourage the EPA to contact us if further clarification of our perspectives on these issues would be helpful.
Thank you, Humane Society of the United States!
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(Below are comments that were submitted to the EPA by Beyond Pesticides in response to the EPA's evaluation of pet spot-on products and risk mitigation plan)
Thank you, Beyond Pesticides!
Here are additional comments on this issue from Beyond Pesticides:
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I wish, wish, wish I would have looked at your victim support site before putting that lethal Bio Spot on out Old English Sheep Dog. Much like the symptoms of other victims, our OES Dog got restless, and as if there was something eating at him, we immediately attempted washing application spots off, and after visiting site, we bathed him. WHY is this poison allowed to be sold?
We hope we caught washing it off in time. The agitation, restlessness happen right away. I URGE ALL TO DO HOME WORK BEFORE YOU BECOME POTENTIAL VICTIMS OF THE Flea and Tick poison control companies!!!!
Duane and Monica 6/8/10
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(Below are comments that were submitted to the EPA by the American Veterinary Medical Association in response to the EPA's evaluation of pet spot-on products and risk mitigation plan)
I was very disappointed by the AVMA's comments. They seem more interested in protecting their "distribution channel" than in protecting pets from dangerous pet spot-on products.
Shame on the AVMA for missing an opportunity to prevent the needless suffering and death
of pets.
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Now that my worry about Nebbie is hopefully lifted from my concern of her I want to email you my story.
I gave Nebbie a 6 year old Bearded Collie who weighs 46.8 lbs a dosage of FrontlinePlus for the 22-44 lbs) between the shoulder blades as directed on the package. I want to include this information because in my research they use "not following" directions as the reason dogs have a reaction. Well I gave her dosage on a Monday and as the week moved along by Friday her appetite was decreased and by Sunday she was very lethargic. Her "world" is small and I know her well and nothing was changed except using Frontline. I called the veterinarian on Sunday and told him this story and he said that he never saw or heard of a reaction and told me to "watch" her as there was not an antidote for FrontlinePlus. On Sunday I noticed that she had "pink eyes" that secreted a green discharge, was lethargic, weak in the back legs and lack of appetite. The good things were no vomiting, or dierahea nor excessive drinking. I took her to the vet on Monday and her temperature was normal as it was on Sunday when I took it, her heart and lungs were good but he noted a slight touchiness in the abdomen. He did acknowledge that it is possible to have a reaction to anything and that it was systemic so she would have to wait until it was removed from her system. I thought that was an interesting remark as Merial says that it stays in her sebacsous glands. I did wash her on Sunday with Dawn dishwashing detergent but imagine by than it was too late as it was already absorbed. I started her on Monday with milk thistle and SAMe to help with removing toxins as fiprinol is an neurotoxin and I wanted to do something for her. It is Thursday almost 2 weeks later and she has improved. I also have been feeding her a liver friendly diet as well. She is more interested in things and last night barked and played. I will never use a "spot-on treatment" again. I used this product last year with reservation 3 times and did not have an issue but I am now aware that thyroid and organ damage does occur with fipronil. I am so happy to have my Nebbie back and hope that I have not caused internal damage.
Linda 6/10/10
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2009 Reported Incidents for Pet Spot-on Products
(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
Below are individual product incident reports that were submitted to the EPA by the product manufacturers in 2009.
The Exposure Type/Severity Category Codes which are found in the reports are as follows:
H-D Minor human incident
H-E Human incident-symptoms unknown or not specified
D-A Domestic animal death
D-B Major domestic animal incident
D-C Moderate domestic animal incident
D-D Minor domestic animal incident
D-E Domestic animal incident-symptoms unknown or not specified
For comparison, here is a break down of pet spot-on incidents that were reported
to the EPA by the product manufacturers in 2008:
In 2008, the number of pet incidents that were reported to the EPA by the product manufacturers was 26,461. In 2009, the number of pet incidents reported by the product manufacturers climbed to 36,472 -- a 35% INCREASE over 2008!
Here are some other interesting statistics:
The number of incidents reported to the EPA by Sergeants (Sentry) skyrocketed
from 11,178 in 2008 to 19,788 in 2009 -- a 77% INCREASE!
The number of incidents reported to the EPA by Bayer (Advantage, K9 Advantix)
jumped from 2,619 in 2008 to 3,779 in 2009 -- a 44% INCREASE!
The number of incidents reported to the EPA by Merial (Frontline/Frontline Plus)
jumped from 4,181 in 2008 to 5,720 in 2009 -- a 37% INCREASE! That contradicts
a statement issued by Merial on March 19, 2010:
The number of incidents reported to the EPA by Summit VetPharm (Vectra 3D and FirstShield Trio) declined from 752 in 2008 to 599 in 2009 -- a 20% DECREASE.
The number of incidents reported to the EPA by Pfizer (ProMeris) declined from
3,076 in 2008 to 1,358 in 2009 -- a 56% DECREASE! What could possibly account
for a decrease in reported incidents during increased scrutiny of these products by the EPA and the news media?
According to Health Canada, which collaborated with the EPA's evaluation of pet spot-on products, key limitations of the analysis included questionable quality of
the data reported in incidents and under-reporting of incidents by the product manufacturers.
Here is an article regarding an FDA warning to Pfizer for failing to quickly report serious and unexpected potential side effects from its drugs, which was published
last week:
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(Below are emails that I sent to the EPA in regards to a Freedom of Information Act request that I made for 2009 incident data for pet spot-on products)
Mr. Ingram,
Thank you again for sending me the 2009 Aggregate Incident Summaries for pet spot-on products. However, those summaries are only for incidents that were reported by registrants and do not include incidents that were reported by other sources, such as the National Pesticide Information Center or individuals who reported incidents directly to the EPA.
The EPA has publicly stated that it received 44,263 reports of harmful reactions associated with pet spot-on products in 2008, up from 28,895 in 2007. Could you please provide me with the total number of pet spot-on incidents that were reported to the EPA from all sources (not just registrants) in 2009?
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator
Mr. Ingram,
Thank you in advance for checking with OPP to determine if the 2009 Aggregate Incident Summaries that you sent me include incidents from all sources (e.g. NPIC, ASPCA, SafetyCall International, and individuals who submitted incidents directly to the EPA) or if those summaries only show incidents that were submitted by registrants. My FOIA request was for the total number of incidents associated with pet spot-on products that were reported in 2009 (not just the number of incidents that were reported by registrants).
The reason I am asking for a clarification in the total number of incidents reported for 2009 is because there is some confusion in the total number of incidents reported in 2008. The EPA has publicly stated that it received 44,263 reports of harmful reactions associated with pet spot-on products in 2008, up from 28,895 in 2007:
Here is the EPA Advisory for Pet Spot-On products which was issued in April, 2009:
Excerpt:
"Over 44,000 potential incidents associated with registered spot-on products were reported to EPA in 2008."
However, the following news article recently reported that "according to the EPA's records, more than 24,000 incidents were reported in 2008 relating to all spot-on flea and tick products."
The article based that number (over 24,000 incidents) on the following EPA summary of all pet spot-on product incidents which were reported in 2008:
The total number of pet incidents shown in the above report for 2008 was 26,461. Perhaps that EPA summary only shows incidents that were reported by registrants. If not, how did the EPA arrive at 44,263 incidents for 2008?
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator
(Below is email that I received from the EPA on 6/17 in response to my emails)
Hello Mr. TerBush,
Kit Farwell, DVM of OPP reiterated what Ms. Kimberly Nesci indicated in
our phone message to you yesterday, that the Agency did not evaluate all
the incidents that were received. Some of the incidents did not
provide enough information as to be evaluated. The Data Evaluation
Records posted on our website evaluated only the incidents of real
informational value. This is why the total number of incidents for the
posted DERs is substantially less than the aggregate totals you received
in my response to your request.
As I indicated in my response letter to you, please feel free to appeal
our response if you feel it has been less than satisfactory.
Earl Ingram
Team Leader
Public Information & Records Integrity Branch
Information Technology & Resources Management Division
Office of Pesticide Programs
US Environmental Protection Agency
(703) 305-5456 - Office # 703-305-5480 - Fax #
Email: ingram.earl@epa.gov
(Below is email that I sent to the EPA on 6/17)
Mr. Ingram,
Thank you for the explanation regarding the incidents that were reported in 2008. I did not fully understand the discrepency between reports of 44,263 incidents and 26,461 incidents in 2008 until now. Apparently, the only incidents that were deemed to have "real informational value" were the incidents that were submitted by registrants.
However, my request was for the total number of incidents reported in 2009. The aggregate summaries that you sent me only contain incidents that were submitted by registrants, not from other sources (such as NPIC, ASPCA, SafetyCall International, Poison Centers, or individuals who reported incidents directly to the EPA). I would like to be able to compare the total number of incidents received in 2009, regardless of their alleged informational value, with the total received in 2008 (44,263) and 2007 (28,895).
Please let me know if you are able to provide me with that information, or if I must appeal your response.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator
(Below is email that I sent to the EPA on 6/18)
Dear Ms. Nesci,
In response to my Freedom of Information Act request (HQ-FOI-1248-10), Mr. Ingram was kind enough to send me the 2009 Aggregate Incident Summary Reports for pet spot-on products. I very much appreciate receiving that information and everything Mr. Ingram did to satisfy my request, however, those reports only include incidents that were provided by registrants, not incidents that were reported from other sources, such as the NPIC, Poison Centers, or individuals who reported incidents directly to the EPA.
The EPA has publicly stated that it received 44,263 incidents associated with spot-on products in 2008, up from 28,895 incidents that were reported in 2007 -- a 53% increase. Unfortunately, the EPA's spot-on evaluation only considered the 26,461 incident reports that were submitted by registrants. The remaining 17,802 incidents that were reported in 2008 were deemed by EPA to have no informational value.
I would like to be able to compare the total number of incidents received in 2009, regardless of their alleged informational value, with the total received in 2008 (44,263) and 2007 (28,895). Knowing the total number of incidents received in 2009 is necessary in order to establish reliable trend information, which, according to the EPA, is arguably more important than knowing the precise number of incidents.
Please let me know if you are able to satisfy my Freedom of Information Act request by providing me with the total number of incidents that were reported in 2009. Thank you.
Best regards,
James TerBush
Website Administrator
(Below is email that I received from EPA on 6/24)
Mr. TerBush:
In our June 10, 2010 letter you were provided instructions on how to
properly appeal a FOIA response. Your appeal must go to the Office of
General Counsel to be considered. As I stated to you in our
conversations and my emails, we are working on getting you the
additional information you requested. The office which processes
adverse effects and incident submissions is in the process of gathering
the addtional information. Please feel free to file an appeal.
In the meantime we are gathering the additional information. Due to the
number of products involved, we can not quickly produce this
information. I will keep you informed of the status of your request.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Earl Ingram
Team Leader
Public Information & Records Integrity Branch
Information Technology & Resources Management Division
Office of Pesticide Programs
US Environmental Protection Agency
(703) 305-5456 - Office # 703-305-5480 - Fax #
Email: ingram.earl@epa.gov
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Hi James -
I found your site after having experienced what others here have posted, though luckily not to the extent of some.
I also purchased the BioSpot flea drops for dogs for my golden retriever. I have used it in the past during the two previous summers, but today was different. I put the BioSpot on and we went for our walk. Juneau was fine and was fed and my husband and I left for grocery shopping. Now, usually when we return, no matter how long we are gone, Juneau is up wagging his tail and running up to us excited to see us again, but not tonight. He just laid on the rug. We put our groceries away and I comment on his odd behavior. We eat our dinner and are left alone for the first time since we got him while eating! Something is wrong! He has a warm nose and is so lethargic that although ice cubes in his water bowl brings him over, he just lays down and looks at me. I have now concluded that something is definitely wrong and it has to be the flea drops - the only thing different from any other day. I make my husband wash the two spots where I applied the drops, twice with baby shampoo to make sure to get as much of the stuff off as possible. As if by magic, our Juneau is back and ready to play! The drops had had some strange life-sucking power over him, and thankfully we reacted quickly enough to avoid anything more serious. (So strange though, as I used the other two containers on him with no problem, but this one was a no go!)
Mel 6/11/10
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I gave my dog a treatment of bio spot spot on two days ago. With in an hour he became hyper so I gave him a bath to remove the product.
He continued to be hyper, he was panting heavily and alternatively biting his legs or kicking them out. I gave him another bath. He kept me up all night. But on the second day the hyper activity and the panting went away. He still kicks his legs and bites his legs, I assume this is due to either numbness or tingling. He wants to be held all the time and does not want to get out of my sight. He sits oddly with his upper body stiff. I am guessing this is due to liver swelling or something like that. I think he will recover. I had given him K9 Advantix previously and since that has permethrin also I am surprised at this reaction. He has never had a big problem with fleas so I will try natural methods to treat him.
I wish I had seen your site before I bought this stuff.
Zach 6/12/10
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Almost lost 7 yr cat to Advantage 18. One hr. after vet. applied cat went into seizures.
Had convulsions, vomiting, tremors, lots of seizures. Vet flushed her system & gave her a fluid intravenously. Saved her life we pray. Don't use these products on your loved ones.
Mike 6/13/10
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I purchased a box of Bio Spot for puppies two months ago to use on my puppy. The first
two applications were fine. Today, I put it on the back of his neck and he had an immediate reaction (as in within 1 second of it hitting his skin). He jumped off of my lap and started writhing around on the ground and trying to rub his back on the wall. I made the mistake of putting the rest on the other two spots on his back thinking that he would calm down, but he
got worse. I rushed inside and rinsed him off in the tub and then used a wet rag with dish washing liquid to get the rest off of his skin. He's better now. No more writhing around on
the ground. I will never use that crap again. I'm going to call my vet tomorrow to find out
what's the best flea/tick medication for him.
Krys 6/13/10
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(Below are comments that were submitted to the EPA by the Natural Resources Defense Council in response to the EPA's evaluation of pet spot-on products and risk mitigation plan)
Thank you, NRDC-GreenPaws.org!
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I am currently sitting here with my dog Romeo in the vet hospital receiving treatment for Bio Spot Poisoning. I put it on him in the recommended dosage for his pounds, and between
4 pm and 2 am, he started running into walls, shivering and shaking like he was scared to death. He also wouldn't let me put him down. I had to keep him in my arms next to my heart to hear me because he acted like he couldn't see me. His heart was beating twice as fast as it was normally and he didn't eat or drink anything. Plus when he had to urinate he just stood and let it dribble out with him falling down. He started panting and then wouldn't breathe right, then he would every few seconds jump super big apart from his constant shaking. It would scare me and him too. He never went to sleep and his eyes were wide and wild looking. I got some Benedryl down him but he still didn't do any better. I thought I was going to lose him even before I got him to my vet office this morning! He is on IV fluids for the weekend and the vet gave me NO hope that he would even get him to live, and he said he might leave there like he came in if he did live. Or later on down the line he might have kidneys or liver go bad because of this. He said it was in his brain and blood stream and was too toxic for him. He said other pets came in with the same thing and either died or were incompacitated for the rest of their life because of this Bio Spot. The other letters I just read on your site sounded like the same things as I am going through and my vet absolutely hates this product! How many more animals are going to die or be maimed for life before they take this off the market?!!
Thank you for showing these letters for someone else that might go through this with their pet.
Donna 6/19/10
Thank you for being online out there where people can turn to you when they need it. I
would not have known what I would have done during the illness of my dog, Romeo due
to the BioSpot product, if not for you. He is fine now and doing great. And I recently got
my vetrinarian bill and product reimbursement. Thanks again for your help.
Donna 10/8/10
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I came across your website when researching side effects of Tri-force for dogs. Due to ticks this summer that we've found on our two dogs I purchased Tri-force from UPCO.com where I normally buy pet supplies. In the past I've used Frontline but Tri-force was much cheaper so I figured I'd try it. I made the mistake of not researching it enough online and unfortunately both of our dogs had terrible reactions to them. When calling my vet they said they have never even heard of Tri-force before and I had to call the Poison Control. They advised to bath them in dish soap and apply Vitamin E oil to the effected area. Wow had I looked online and seen these reviews prior I would have never bought this product and seeing even the horrible reviews on other brands for flea and tick control I will not be putting anything on my pets again.
Mindy 6/21/10
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On June 16th 2010, I applied BioSpot Spot ON for cats to my year & 1/2 old healthy male
cat, named Jasper. I applied as instructed between my cats shoulder blades however, the product stung him & he jumped. A small amount of the product got on his right shoulder. His immediate response was to lick the spot and he ingested a small amount of the product.
I immediately washed out his mouth with a wet cloth & washed the product off of him with
dish soap and water. I read the box carefully to see if there were any poison warnings or emergency warnings if the product was ingested. I did not see any warnings so I let him outside for the evening at 8:30 p.m. as usual. He is always at the front door the next morning by 6:00 a.m but on June 17th, he was not there. By that evening I was very worried so my husband searched the woods next to our house and found my cat deceased. I have no doubt that my cat was poisoned by BIOSPOT. This cat was the best friend of my two young daughters and my son, who has autism, and who has no way of understanding why his best friend is gone. He keeps telling me that he loves his Jasper but he doesn't see him anymore. We rescued Jasper a year ago from a store parking lot. He was a sick kitten at the time and needed a vets care but he pulled through and became a wonderful pet to my family. He was truly the sweetest cat I have ever known. I am angry that the box does not state that the product can be FATAL. I was unfairly lead to believe that the product was safe to use on my cat. We are heartbroken. Now that I have seen the "Victims of Biospot" website, I know that they are murdering and poisoning our innocent animals and doing NOTHING to stop it. SHAME ON BIOSPOT!!!!!!! I just wish that I had done my research first.
Kyndell
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The vet put my pit bull on Vectra, and 2 days later I noticed a change in him and he began to have full blown seizures. I told the vet that it was the Vectra, but they said no. Then a month and a half later the EPA came out with a warning on the flea medicine. The whole time they had my dog on seizure medicine. Still the vet did not believe me. By that time it was on the news, and still the vet did not believe me that it was the flea medicine. While the whole time my dog has been having toxic seizures. I then changed vets and he was put on different meds, but still had seizures, but not as many, or as bad. But by four months later there was nothing we could do. It was too late. It took his life, after fighting it. He went from healthy to dead in four months after putting him on Vectra. IM STILL IN SHOCK OF THE LOST. HE WAS A BIG PART OF THE FAMILY. HE WILL BE MISSED. IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED MACK.
Jimmy 6/26/10
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Re: Bio Spot
I am concerned about this product and found your web contact this evening, while searching
to see if there were any other pet owners that had the same problem using this product.
We own 5 Australian Shepards that are peaceful and not aggressive. The only time we
have ever had problems is immediately after we treat them with bio-spot for fleas and ticks. We thought we were doing the right thing to keep them healthy - but after treating them this evening - 2 males that have been in the lot together for 2-3 years without any problems got
into a major dog fight. After this incident - I remembered that each time we've had any
problem it was within 30 minutes of applying this product. Do you have any idea what
causing this reaction?
After viewing your site - I'm concerned that we even decided to use this product. I would love
to hear from other pet owners that have seen this type of problem and hear what they are using to prevent flea and tick problems.
Janice 6/27/10
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Several months ago, I went to a pet store to buy Frontline for my 11 lbs shih tzu, Bear. I am a law school student, so needless to say, I don't have a lot of extra cash. I saw Biospot on the shelf and decided to give it a try because it was significantly cheaper. The first time I applied it to Bear, I noticed a change in his behavior immediately. He began walking in circles, then he flopped over. I tried to give him a treat (which he always accepts), but he didn't want it. A little while later he began gagging and throwing up. I didn't suspect that Biospot was the culprit, until I used it again 30 days later. The same thing happened! I stopped using it, until yesterday because Bear is going to the beach so he needed some instant protection. Sure enough, Bear became sick, except this time, it sounded like he was choking. He was up all night, and today he isn't eating or moving around like he normally does. I am kicking myself for using it, but this will NEVER happen again.
Anonymous 6/28/10
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On 6-27-10 I purchased, from Petco, Biospot for my two small breed dogs. My dogs are
both 100% indoor dogs with the exception of taking them for daily walks. Neither of them
had fleas but, I worried that they could pick fleas up as we were walking so I thought I would get something for them as a preventative. I purchased the under 15 lbs. Biospot shortly after 6:00 pm and applied it at around 7:00 pm.
My poodle mix seemed unaffected for the most part with just a little scratching and rolling around to try to rub it off. My chihuahua mix, Jessi, started running around like crazy and throwing herself at the floor. I thought she must just hate the feel of the product and she would settle down soon however, she continued this all night long and also started to scratch and shake all over. No one got any sleep at all. In the morning I googled Biospot and found this website along with several others and realized it was making her sick. My husband and I immediately bathed both dogs. This seemed to aleviate the running and scratching but then Jessi began to vomit and have diahrea.
I called the emergency number (keep in mind that this is on Sunday when my vet was closed) and was told that the first symptoms she had are common and there are THOUSANDS of complaints about this from the use of Biospot. I think she was trying to ease my mind by saying that so I would know that this is a "normal" reaction! After consulting with the on staff vet, she went on to explain that my dog must have gotten into something else that has caused the vomiting and diahrea because that is not a symptom of a reaction from Biospot. I assured her that my dog had not gotten into anything as she was not even wanting to eat anything and she had been in the house with me the entire time. She still insisted that it was not being caused by Biospot.
Jessi has been improving a little each day but is still not quite herself and has not yet started
to eat normally, often refusing even her treats. She has not been to our vet but I have spoken to them on the phone and they said as long as I am seeing daily improvement to just keep them posted and bring her in if she does not continue to improve.
I called Farnam today and let them know what I thought of the poisen they sell. Ashley answered the call and said they offer their apologies that my dog got sick and they will send me a refund. I told her I won't be a satisfied customer until they are out of business. Thank
you for this website.
Jennifer 6/29/10
Copyright © 2002-2010 BioSpotVictims.org All rights reserved.
DISCLAIMER: Below are messages that I have received from others whose dogs and cats experienced adverse reactions after using flea control products. I have no way of knowing if the information in these messages is factual, or if the products they used were the actual cause of the adverse reactions.
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