Islanders urged to stay vigilant of counterfeit pet medicines

Pet owners on the Isle of Wight are being urged to take extra care when buying flea and worm treatments online, following a national warning about dangerous counterfeit products that have already caused serious harm to animals.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) have issued an urgent alert after a cat required emergency surgery due to poisoning from a fake flea treatment.

Tests revealed the product contained pirimiphos-methyl, a toxic insecticide that is highly dangerous to cats.

While the incident occurred on the mainland, authorities are warning that counterfeit pet medicines are being sold across the UK, including through popular e-commerce platforms accessible to Island residents.

Counterfeit treatments often mimic the packaging of trusted brands like FRONTLINE® but may contain harmful chemicals or lack active ingredients altogether. Warning signs include:

• spelling mistakes or foreign languages on packaging;
• unusual smells (such as white spirit or paraffin);
• difficulty opening the packaging;
• suspiciously low prices.
  

"Pirimiphos-methyl is toxic to cats. Exposure to this insecticide can prevent the cat’s body from breaking down a substance called acetylcholine, leading to an overstimulation of the cat’s nervous system. 

"This can cause symptoms such as vomiting, uncoordinated gait, muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis, increased sensitivity to touch, difficulty breathing, restlessness, urinary incontinence, low heart rate and seizures.

"In some cases, even death can sadly occur. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a counterfeit medicine, seek veterinary advice immediately."  

Island pet owners are encouraged to remain cautious when purchasing treatments for their animals. Always buy from trusted sources — ideally your local vet or a reputable retailer — rather than unknown third-party sellers online.

When you receive a product, take a moment to inspect the packaging carefully. Look out for anything unusual, such as spelling mistakes, missing information, or strange smells, which could indicate a counterfeit.

If you see these goods being offered for sale, whether on a website, social media post or on the high street, contact Trading Standards or Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

In 2024 alone, the VMD seized over 18,000 illegal animal medicines and supplements. One online seller had already distributed over 200 batches of fake treatments before being shut down.

James Potter, Trading Standards and community safety manager at the Isle of Wight Council, said: “The appeal of cheaper goods may seem tempting, but counterfeit goods will be of a very poor quality and will not have gone through the same amount of rigorous testing as genuine products.

"The consequences of counterfeit goods have a serious impact and in addition, the purchase of illegal goods helps to fund other criminality. It also harms our local, honest businesses.

"If you’re aware of counterfeit goods being sold, please report this to Trading Standards where we will use our range of enforcement powers to remove them from the market and pursue further action through the courts if required.”

If you have you been personally affected by a poisoning case, you should report through the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) questionnaire.

If you encounter suspicious veterinary medicines or retailers, please also report them to the VMD Enforcement Team. (You can do so anonymously if preferred):

• Email: enforcement@vmd.gov.uk
• Phone: 01932 338338
• Online: Report illegal animal medicines

Photo shows Smokey, a beloved cat who nearly died after being treated with a fake flea product bought online.