A NEW study has highlighted the potential impact of popular dog flea treatments for dogs on New Forest ponds and water. 

A survey conducted by Wild New Forest and Freshwater Habitats Trust has warned of the potential impact of powerful insecticides used in popular flea treatments for dogs on New Forest waterbodies. 

The study found a chemical commonly found in 'spot-on' flea treatments called imidacloprid was found at four locations where dogs enter the water. 

Prof Russell Wynn of Wild New Forest said: “Although there is growing awareness of the pervasive nature of these chemicals in English rivers, we suspect that most dog-walkers will be unaware of the potential impacts of allowing their dog to enter the water here in the New Forest.

"We hope that by collecting and openly sharing these data we can raise awareness amongst the community and start a positive discussion about less harmful alternatives”.

Dibden Bottom, near Hythe, had nearly double the toxicity threshold levels internationally agreed for aquatic invertebrates of imidacloprid. 

Previous studies showed prolonged exposure to the chemical has a strong negative effect on insect species, including dragonflies, damselflies and mayfly larvae. 

Dr Naomi Ewald of Freshwater Habitats Trust said: “The New Forest is an Important Freshwater Landscape, where the ponds and small headwater streams support some of the most diverse plant and animal communities to be found in the UK.

"These habitats also support our rarest freshwater species, which have disappeared from large swathes of the wider countryside. Keeping New Forest freshwaters clean and free from polluting agricultural nutrients and urban chemicals is a priority if these species are to survive and thrive.”

The survey team have begun work with New Forest Dog Owners Group (NFDOG) and other partners to raise awareness of the issue and provide information on alternate treatments. 

This involves also consulting vets to alert them of the findings. 

Heather Gould, chairman of NFDOG, said: “It’s essential that we protect our environment. These findings, which are in line with other studies in the UK, are important.

"It’s also important though, that dog owners protect their pets."