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Posted: 3rd July 2025

VMD warns of fake flea treatments
One cat needed emergency surgery after experiencing severe poisoning.
A toxic insecticide was discovered in the medicine.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has issued an urgent warning after a toxic insecticide was discovered in counterfeit flea treatments.

These medications have been found to lack the essential ingredients, while containing chemicals which cause vomiting, muscle tremors, breathing difficulties, seizures, and potentially death.

Concerns were first raised after traces of a toxic pesticide were found in a fake flea treatment, which caused a cat to become seriously ill. A laboratory test confirmed that the treatment contained Pirimiphos-methyl, an insecticide which is toxic to cats.

The counterfeit treatment has led to at least one cat needing emergency surgery after experiencing severe poisoning.

The cat, named Smokey, had been treated with a flea treatment that appeared to be from Frontline, which had been purchased online. He quickly became unwell, with the condition becoming so severe that he needed emergency intestinal surgery.

He then needed a further week’s stay at the surgery to recover from his ordeal.

Alan Wall, Smokey’s owner, said: “Without the support of our vets and the extensive surgery they performed we know Smokey wouldn’t be with us today.

“We want to warn other pet owners about these fake products so that no one else has to endure what we’ve been through.”

Although in Mr Wall’s case the medication appeared to be from Frontline, the VMD urges consumers to look out for the warning signs. This includes poor packaging, spelling mistakes, unusual smells and suspiciously low prices.

For example, when examining the Frontline packaging, experts noted that it contained a number of spelling mistakes and mixed languages.

Another consumer noticed that the packaging was difficult to open and had a distinct smell of white spirit and paraffin.

The online platform has since removed the seller from their website. However 211 batches of suspected counterfeit medicine, including Frontline Flea and Tick Treatment and Pro Plan FortiFlora Probiotic Sachets for dogs and cats.

Pet owners are urged to buy their medication from trusted sources and to immediately report any suspicious products.

Nina Downing, PDSA vet nurse, said: “Counterfeit veterinary medicines can pose a serious threat to our pets’ health and wellbeing. While legitimate medications play a vital role in keeping our pets healthy, counterfeit products can cause severe harm or even be fatal.

“These fake medicines may contain incorrect ingredients or dangerous substances that can make pets extremely ill - leading to symptoms like twitching, swelling, breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse, coma and even death.”

Image © Shutterstock



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