Several folks on this list have reported problems with their ferrets
after exposing them to pesticides manufactured by Hartz--
 
We discourage use of these products for similar reasons.  I am sharing
( if this is allowed?) some published materials on these same products
being harmful to cats-- Added caution is extended to those ferret owners
picking these items up in your ocal stores.
 
Alicia D
 
[Moderator's note: Press-release type stuff usually is fine to repost,
ESPECIALLY when it's lifted from a US government agency site!  BIG]
 
  -- reforwarded: --
 
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.
[Forwaded by Suzy Heck, HECKHAVEN WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER]
 
See if this helps
[Posted in FML issue 3994]