---
title: "Pet Ectoparasiticides: A multidisciplinary investigation into environmental, ani"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-e5a58b68-c2bb-436a-9b9a-2fc5cf166cd9"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-e5a58b68-c2bb-436a-9b9a-2fc5cf166cd9"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e5a58b68-c2bb-436a-9b9a-2fc5cf166cd9.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-e5a58b68-c2bb-436a-9b9a-2fc5cf166cd9.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS"
published: "2025-12-12"
---

# Pet Ectoparasiticides: A multidisciplinary investigation into environmental, ani

Buyer: DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-e5a58b68-c2bb-436a-9b9a-2fc5cf166cd9

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## Summary

The contracting process for "Pet Ectoparasiticides: A multidisciplinary investigation into environmental, animal and public health" has been successfully awarded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to the University of Plymouth. This procurement falls within the "Research and development consultancy services" industry category and aims to address the environmental impact of topical flea and tick treatments. It involves a call-off from a framework agreement, showcasing its selective procurement method. Located in London, the contracting period spans from 8th December 2025 to 31st March 2026, with the award notice published on 12th December 2025, aligning with Defra's commitment to advancing environmental research.

The awarded tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in environmental research and consultancy services. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly well-suited to compete, given the project's focus on multidisciplinary investigation and environmental protection. With a contract value of £162,055, this project offers potential for expanding research capabilities and contributing to vital public health insights. Engaging in such government-led initiatives can bolster business reputation, attract further partnerships, and drive innovation within the sector.

## Notice

Pet Ectoparasiticides: A multidisciplinary investigation into environmental, animal and public health and deep dive into use practices. Purpose and Rationale Recent research into the environmental impact of topical flea and tick treatments has focused on environmental monitoring and potential exposure pathways. Perkins and Goulson (2023) analysed Environment Agency (EA) monitoring data from 2016 to 2018 and found that fipronil exceeded chronic toxicity thresholds for aquatic invertebrates at 80% of sites, while imidacloprid exceeded these limits at 35% of sites. They also observed higher concentrations of both substances near wastewater treatment works, suggesting domestic use as a likely source. More recent discussions with the EA indicate that concentrations have remained relatively stable since 2018. Subsequent studies have identified key exposure routes for spot-on treatments, including down-the-drain emissions and dog swimming (Perkins et al., 2024; Yoder et al., 2024; Perkins et al., 2025). Additionally, fipronil and imidacloprid have recently been detected in the nests of songbirds, raising further concerns about environmental contamination (Tassin de Montaigu et al., 2025). While veterinary medicines may not be the sole source, this body of research suggests they are contributing to detectable levels of these substances in aquatic environments and potentially the wider ecosystem.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4642d812-35df-4249-bd35-e23f14242977 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Call-off from a framework agreement |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 12 Dec 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 29 Oct 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 27 Nov 2025 |
| Contract period | 8 Dec 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £162,055 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £162,055 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1P 4DF |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73200000 - Research and development consultancy services

## Release History

- 12 Dec 2025 at 11:22 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4642d812-35df-4249-bd35-e23f14242977

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/4642d812-35df-4249-bd35-e23f14242977
  12th December 2025 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder

## Provenance

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