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Certain Hartz Flea and Tick Drops for Cats and Kittens to be Relabeled or Cancelled

Release Date: 06/09/2005
Contact Information:

Contact: David Deegan, EPA Office of Public Affairs, (617) 918-1017, deegan.dave@epa.gov

For Immediate Release: June 10, 2005; Release # dd050603

BOSTON – At EPA's insistence, Hartz Mountain Corp. will cancel uses of several flea and tick products for cats and kittens that may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, including hair loss, salivation, tremors and numerous deaths. The common pet product brand names which are involved in this action include:
- 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
- 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

In the short term, the agreement calls for immediate relabeling 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. Production of the affected products will end by Sept. 30, and may not be distributed to retailers after Dec. 31, 2005. Retail sales of any remaining product will be prohibited after March 31, 2006.

"EPA is taking this action because there are safety concerns with these products,'' said Susan B. Hazen, the senior EPA official who oversee's pesticide regulation. "Pet owners should be alerted to these concerns, and may choose to transition to alternative products. We take seriously our obligation to ensure that pesticide products, when used as labeled, are safe."

Hartz will also be notifying their distributors and retailers of the changes in order to ensure a workable phaseout.

As with any pesticide product, all label directions and precautions should be carefully followed to ensure the product is used correctly. It is prudent to follow the new restrictions for all products, including existing stocks. Pet owners should pay close attention to new labels and exercise good judgment when choosing pet products.

EPA’s action will help ensure that pets are protected, and that consumers have an opportunity to evaluate their pet’s pest control needs, and allow time for both retailers and pet owners to transition to alternative products. Additional information is available at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/flea-tick-drops.htm.