PESTICIDES
Bird brained
PESTICIDES in flea treatments for cats and dogs are killing the chicks of blue tits and great tits, according to recent research from the University of Sussex, funded by the charity SongBird Survival. The songbirds line their nests with pet fur that is infused with the pesticides fipronil and imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid), which were banned in agriculture in 2013 and 2018 respectively. They are still, however, the main ingredients in some “spot on” pet treatments for fleas and ticks. Vets are now advising pet owners not to leave pet fur outside for nesting birds.