Perspectives in Animal Health and Welfare | 2026 | Volume 5 | Issue 1 (pp14-28)
Systematic literature review on the ecotoxicity and impact on non-target invertebrate populations of fluralaner used in veterinary administration
Research paper
Chloe McMenamin1* , Lynn Miller2, Kristie E Cameron1
Affiliations:
1. School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec, Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand
2. WildWays, 113 Durrant Drive, Whangamata 3620
* corresponding author: Chloe McMenamin
Received: 10 February 2026 | Accepted: 14 April 2026 | Published: October 2026
Associate Editor: Kristina Naden
https://doi.org/10.55457/piahw.005102
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that antiparasitic treatments used in companion animal species can impact local ecosystems. With the global rise in feline and canine ownership, there is a corresponding rise in the use of antiparasitic drugs for companion animals to control parasites such as fleas and ticks. The potential detrimental effects on the environment, non-target invertebrates and humans of proactively treating companion animals to combat the effects of zoonotic parasites could be greater than previously predicted. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline to identify the extent of research on the environmental transfer and impact of fluralaner, a commonly used parasiticide in veterinary practice.
PubMed Central and Google Scholar were searched in September 2024 using terms combining ‘fluralaner’ with ‘ecotoxicity’, ‘environmental impact’ and ‘non-target invertebrates’. Studies were included if they addressed fluralaner toxicity to invertebrates, environmental transfer or contamination control measures, and were excluded if focused on human, canine or feline health outcomes, and those not published in English. Of 412 studies that mentioned the target words, 20 studies were included in the final review. These highlighted the persistence of fluralaner in the environment, routes of transmission via veterinary applications and the impact on non-target invertebrates. This review validates the need for further research and provides evidence to support informed decision-making by companion animal guardians regarding antiparasitic product selection to balance veterinary stewardship with environmental consideration.