Oral pharmacokinetic profile of fipronil and efficacy against flea and tick in dogs.

Fipronil (FIP) is an ectoparasiticide of the phenylpyrazole class, used in veterinary medicine in topical form. Supported by evidence of uncontrolled human exposure to FIP and environmental damage caused by commercially available formulations, its use by oral administration has become promising. The effectiveness of FIP against the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus and its pharmacokinetics and main active metabolite, fipronil sulfone (SULF) were evaluated after single oral administration of tablets in three different doses (2, 4, and 6 mg/kg) in dogs. Through the plasma concentration curves, it was possible to observe that the FIP showed rapid absorption and metabolization and slow elimination. The values of Cmax (ß = 0.7653) and AUC0- t (ß = 0.3209) did not increase proportionally with increasing dose. At 48 h after treatment, doses of 4 mg/kg (AUC0- t  = 442.39 ± 137.35 µg/ml*h) and 6 mg/kg (AUC0- t  = 421.32 ± 102.84 µg/ml*h) provided 100% and 99% efficacy against fleas, and 95% and 98% against ticks, respectively. The estimated EC90 of FIP +SULF was 1.30 µg/ml against C. felis felis and 2.16 µg/ml against R. sanguineus. The correlation between the FIP pharmacokinetic and efficacy data demonstrated its potential for oral administration in the form of tablets for the control of ectoparasites in dogs, as a safer alternative for animals, humans, and the environment, aligned with the One Health concept.

Fleas infesting cats and dogs in Great Britain: spatial distribution of infestation risk and its relation to treatment.

The spatial pattern of flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) infestation risk in cats and dogs across Great Britain is quantified, using data collected from a national survey undertaken in 2018, with particular attention given to the association between insecticidal treatment and infestation risk. Flea infestation risk declined significantly from south to north. None of the factors: pet breed, sex, neutered status or whether the pet had been abroad, showed any relationship with the underlying geographic distribution, which is most likely to be associated with climatic factors. However, overall, only 23.6% of the cats and 35% of the dogs inspected had been treated with identifiable flea products that were still 'in date' at the point of inspection. The percentage of owners treating their pet broadly followed infestation risk. The insecticide fipronil is a common active in a wide range of flea treatments and was the most frequently applied insecticide class, particularly in cats. However, 62% of cats and 45% of dogs that had been treated with a fipronil-based product that was 'in date' at the point of inspection still had fleas. Persistent flea infestation is likely to be due to a range of factors, including compliance and application failure, but the data provide strong inferential evidence for a lack of efficacy of fipronil-based products. Given the ubiquity of flea infestation, this finding and the relatively low-level of treatment compliance, highlight a clear need for greater owner education about the importance of flea management and a better understanding of the efficacy of different products.

Efficacy of fluralaner spot-on solution for the treatment of Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis mixed infestation in naturally infested cats.

BACKGROUND: Cats can be infested with several ectoparasite species, especially Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single topical application of fluralaner against C. felis and O. cynotis natural infestation in stray (study 1) and owned (study 2) cats in central and southern Italy. RESULTS: The number of live fleas found on each cat on Day 0 ranged from 1 to more than 30 (arithmetic mean live flea count = 11.9 in study 1; 14.6 in study 2) while no live fleas were found on days 7 and 84 post topical application of fluralaner. The number of live mites found on each cat on Day 0 ranged from 1 to 42 (arithmetic mean live mite count = 6.4 in study 1; 8.9 in study 2) while no live mites were found on days 7 and 84 post topical application of fluralaner. CONCLUSIONS: Topical fluralaner completely eliminated fleas and ear mites from infested cats and was 100% effective against both parasites up to 84 days after treatment.

Open field study on the efficacy of fluralaner topical solution for long-term control of flea bite allergy dermatitis in client owned cats in Ile-de-France region.

BACKGROUND: Flea bite is considered to be the main cause of allergic dermatitis in cats. There is a need for treatments able to control clinical signs of allergic dermatitis associated with flea bite in cats. This was an open pre-treatment versus post-treatment clinical field study. All cats included in the study presented pruritus, skin lesions or other evidence compatible with flea infestation. Skin lesions were assessed (using SCORFAD) at days 0, 28, 56 and 84 whereas pruritus severity was assessed (using PVAS) at days 0, 15, 28, 56 and 84. On day 0, The fluralaner (280 mg/ml) product (Bravecto® spot-on for cats) was supplied in pipettes containing 0.4, 0.89 and 1.79 ml for cats of 1.2-2.8 kg, > 2.8-6.25 kg and > 6.25-12.5 kg body weight, respectively. The other animals living in the same household also received fluralaner. Based on cytological examination at day 0, oral amoxicillin and clavulanic acid was prescribed for 21 days if indicated. For cats presenting intense pruritus and discomfort at day 0, oral prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg was prescribed for 3 days. RESULTS: During the study all cats, except for one (cat number 10), improved significantly. Post-treatment median SCORFAD scores at all evaluations were significantly different from the pre-treatment score on day 0 (P values < 0.002 for all three post treatment examination days) with a score reduction of 49% on day 28, 79% on day 56 and 87% on day 84. The PVAS score decreased significantly over the study period for all cats but one (cat number 10). Post-treatment median PVAS scores at all evaluations were significantly different from the pre-treatment PVAS score on day 0 (P value < 0.002 for all four post-treatment days) with a reduction of 46% on day 15, 67% on day 28, 82% on day 56 and 92% on day 84. No adverse reaction or other health issue was reported during the study. CONCLUSIONS: A single topical treatment with fluralaner results in a significant reduction of flea bite allergic dermatitis clinical signs in cats over the subsequent 12 weeks without any additional environmental treatment.

The intravenous and oral pharmacokinetics of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime when used as a combination chewable parasiticide for dogs.

The pharmacokinetics of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime (A3 and A4 forms) in dogs were evaluated following the oral administration of NexGard Spectra® (Merial), a fixed combination chewable formulation of these two active pharmaceutical ingredients. Absorption of actives was rapid at levels that provide the minimum effective doses of 2.5 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime, respectively. The time to maximum afoxolaner plasma concentrations (tmax ) was 2-4 h. The milbemycin tmax was 1-2 h. The terminal plasma half-life (t1/2 ) and the oral bioavailability were 14 ± 3 days and 88.3% for afoxolaner, 1.6 ± 0.4 days and 80.5% for milbemycin oxime A3 and 3.3 ± 1.4 days and 65.1% for milbemycin oxime A4. The volume of distribution (Vd ) and systemic clearance (Cls) were determined following an IV dose of afoxolaner or milbemycin oxime. The Vd was 2.6 ± 0.6, 2.7 ± 0.4 and 2.6 ± 0.6 L/kg for afoxolaner, milbemycin oxime A3 and milbemycin oxime A4, respectively. The Cls was 5.0 ± 1.2, 75 ± 22 and 41 ± 12 mL/h/kg for afoxolaner, milbemycin oxime A3 and milbemycin oxime A4, respectively. The pharmacokinetic profile for the combination of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime supports the rapid onset and a sustained efficacy for afoxolaner against ectoparasites and the known endoparasitic activity of milbemycin oxime.

Design and synthesis of sarolaner, a novel, once-a-month, oral isoxazoline for the control of fleas and ticks on dogs.

Over the last decade, the isoxazoline motif has become the intense focus of crop protection and animal health companies in their search for novel pesticides and ectoparasiticides. Herein we report the discovery of sarolaner, a proprietary, optimized-for-animal health use isoxazoline, for once-a-month oral treatment of flea and tick infestation on dogs.

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia: Pyrethroid Exposure & Change In Smoking Habit!

We report a case of Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia (AEP) in a 29-year-old white woman with recent use of a'flea bomb' (containing pyrethroids) at home while remaining indoors, about 48 hours prior to presentation, and recent change in smoking habit (restarted 2 weeks prior after quitting for 10 years). She presented with two days of worsening fever, shortness of breath, productive cough, developed hypoxemic respiratory failure and ARDS. She required a PEEP of 20 and 100% FiO2 to maintain oxygenation. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed 36% Eosinophils. She was given IV steroids with dramatic clinical and radiological improvement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second report associating AEP with pyrethroid exposure.

In the clinic. Common cutaneous parasites.

This issue provides a clinical overview of Common Cutaneous Parasites focusing on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, practice improvement, and patient information. The content of In the Clinic is drawn from the clinical information and education resources of the American College of Physicians (ACP), including ACP Smart Medicine and MKSAP (Medical Knowledge and Self-Assessment Program). Annals of Internal Medicine editors develop In the Clinic from these primary sources in collaboration with the ACP's Medical Education and Publishing divisions and with the assistance of science writers and physician writers. Editorial consultants from ACP Smart Medicine and MKSAP provide expert review of the content. Readers who are interested in these primary resources for more detail can consult http://smartmedicine.acponline.org, http://mksap.acponline.org, and other resources referenced in each issue of In the Clinic.

Expellency, anti-feeding and speed of kill of a dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen spot-on (Vectra®3D) in dogs weekly challenged with adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) for 1 month-comparison to a spinosad tablet (Comfortis®).

This study was designed to compare the efficacy of two ectoparasiticides against adult fleas on dogs: a topical (DPP, dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen) and a systemic (S, spinosad). Dogs (n = 48; 10.21-22.86 kg BW) were allocated to six groups of eight dogs each (C1, C4, DPP1, DPP4, S1, S4). Dogs in the treated groups were administered a topical (3.6 mL of DPP) or a tablet (665 or 1040 mg of S) on day 0. Infestations with 100 unfed fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) occurred on days -6, -1, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28. An additional untreated group (QC, n = 6) was involved to evaluate the flea-anti-feeding efficacy. These dogs were infested once with 150 fleas prior to combing of at least 50 live fleas from each dog 5 or 10 min after infestation. In the treated group, dislodged dead and moribund fleas were collected from dogs 5, 10, 15 and 60 min (DPP1, S1) or 5, 10, 30 and 240 min (DPP4, S4) post-treatment and subsequent flea infestations on pans placed underneath the cages. Fleas were counted and removed from dogs by combing 1 (C1, DPP1, S1) or 4 h (C4, DPP4, S4) post-treatment and subsequent infestations. Quantitative PCR analysis of the canine cytochrome b gene was conducted on dislodged fleas collected from treated and control (QC) dogs 5 and 10 min after post-treatment infestations. The number of gene copies was used as a marker of blood volume ingested by fleas. Dislodgeability and insecticidal efficacy were calculated using arithmetic means. A rapid onset of killing was observed for DPP with 12.7 % of dead and moribund fleas being dislodged in average from dogs as soon as 5 min after infestation. DPP exhibited a significantly higher and sustained speed of kill than S. The average insecticidal efficacy was 86 ± 8.8 and 95.3 ± 2.1 % with DPP, whereas it was only 33.7 ± 19.9 and 57.6 ± 18.6 % with S at respectively 1 and 4 h after weekly reinfestations. The DPP combination significantly inhibited the feeding of fleas (89 % reduction) up to onset of flea mortality for 1-month post-treatment.

Five-month comparative efficacy evaluation of three ectoparasiticides against adult cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), flea egg hatch and emergence, and adult brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) on dogs housed outdoors.

This study was designed to compare the efficacy of three topical combinations on dogs in outdoor conditions against adult cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), flea egg hatch and emergence, and against adult brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato). Treatment was performed on day 0 with a placebo; dinotefuran, pyriproxifen and permethrin (DPP); fipronil and (S)-methoprene (FM) or imidacloprid and permethrin (IP). Dogs (n = 32), housed outdoors for 7 months, were treated monthly for four consecutive months (on days 0, 30, 60 and 90) and infested with ~100 unfed adult fleas on days 14, 55, 74, 115 and 150 and with ~50 unfed adult ticks on days 28, 44, 88 and 104. Adult fleas were counted and removed 24 h after infestation. Immediately after flea removal, dogs were reinfested with ~100 new adult fleas 72 h prior to egg collection for up to 48 h. Flea eggs were incubated for 32 days, and newly emerged adults were counted. Ticks were counted and removed 48 h after each infestation. FM had >90 % efficacy against fleas at each time point and variable efficacy against ticks (38.0-99.6 %). Efficacy of IP was <90 % against fleas at day 64 and against ticks at day 30 of the first post-treatment. No flea eggs were laid in the treated groups until infestation was carried out >60 days after the last treatment. Despite challenging weather conditions, DPP was highly effective, providing >90 % efficacy against adult ticks as well as adult and immature fleas at every time point of the study.

An open, self-controlled study on the efficacy of topical indoxacarb for eliminating fleas and clinical signs of flea-allergy dermatitis in client-owned dogs in Queensland, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Canine flea-allergy dermatitis (FAD), a hypersensitivity response to antigenic material in the saliva of feeding fleas, occurs worldwide and remains a common presentation in companion animal veterinary practice despite widespread availability of effective systemic and topical flea-control products. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical response in dogs with FAD treated topically with indoxacarb, a novel oxadiazine insecticide. ANIMALS: Twenty-five client-owned dogs in Queensland, Australia diagnosed with pre-existing FAD on the basis of clinical signs, flea-antigen intradermal and serological tests. METHODS: An open-label, noncontrolled study, in which all dogs were treated with topical indoxacarb at 4 week intervals, three times over 12 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-four dogs completed the study. Complete resolution of clinical signs of FAD was observed in 21 cases (87.5%), with nearly complete resolution or marked improvement in the remaining three cases. Mean clinical scores (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index-03) were reduced by 93.3% at week 12. Mean owner-assessed pruritus scores were reduced by 88% by week 12. Mean flea counts reduced by 98.7 and 100% in weeks 8 and 12, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Topical indoxacarb treatment applied every 4 weeks for 12 weeks, without concomitant antipruritic or ectoparasiticide therapy, completely alleviated flea infestations in all dogs and associated clinical signs of FAD in a high proportion of this population of dogs in a challenging flea-infestation environment.

The combined effect of bromadiolone and ivermectin (iBr) in controlling both rodents and their fleas.

Rodent pests not only cause severe agricultural loss but also spread zoonotic pathogens to human beings. Anticoagulant rodenticides are widely used to decrease the population densities of rodents but often lead to the spillover of ectoparasites because fleas and ticks may gather on surviving rodents. Therefore, it is necessary to kill fleas and ticks before culling rodents to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission. In this study, we used a mixture of ivermectin (an antiparasitic drug) and bromadiolone (an anticoagulant rodenticide) to control both rodent and flea/tick abundances. We found that in a laboratory test, 0.01% ivermectin bait was not lethal for greater long-tailed hamsters after 7 days of treatment, while 0.1% ivermectin bait was lethal for approximately 33% of treated rodents. In a field test, bait containing 0.001%, 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.05% ivermectin decreased the number of fleas per vole of Brandt's voles to 0.42, 0.22, 0.12, and 0.2, respectively, compared with 0.77 in the control group, indicating that 0.01% ivermectin bait performed best in removing fleas. In another laboratory test, bait containing a 0.01% ivermectin and 0.005% bromadiolone mixture caused the death of all voles within 6-14 days after the intake of the bait. In the field test, the bait containing 0.01% ivermectin and 0.005% bromadiolone reduced the average number of fleas per vole to 0.35, which was significantly lower than the 0.77 of the control group. Our results indicate that a 0.01% ivermectin and 0.005% bromadiolone mixture could be used to control both rodents and fleas to minimize the spillover risk of disease transmission when using traditional rodenticides.

Heartworm-, Flea-, and Tick-associated Diseases in Dogs: A Review of Common Parasites and Drug Classes Prophylactic Against Them.

Throughout recorded history, the canine-human connection has varied by custom, purpose, and intensity. In many cultures worldwide, dogs have long been considered essential workers, protectors and guardians, and, often, an integral part of the family unit. Ensuring the health and quality of life of those companion animals is essential to preserving the bond between dogs and their owners. Fortunately, advances in veterinary science continue to improve treatments and cures for and prophylaxis against a variety of deadly canine diseases, several of which can be sourced to ectoparasites or endoparasites. For many veterinary patients, a customized preparation often proves to be the best therapeutic option, but many compounding-pharmacy stores also include a retail component that offers ready access to manufactured prescription medications, including those prophylactic against canine flea, tick, or heartworm infestation. Because dog owners often need guidance in selecting such products and assistance with obtaining them, this article will be of special interest to ompounders in those pharmacies. To that end, the following content addresses common canine parasites and classes of drugs that prevent the illnesses they cause, with emphasis on heartworm disease.

Prophylaxis Against Heartworm Infection and Flea or Tick Infestation in Dogs: Single Agents and Combination-Drug Products.

From ancient times to the present, parasites and the diseases they transmit have jeopardized the health and wellbeing of working and companion canines worldwide. Many common pests that afflict dogs can be classified as ectoparasites (e.g., fleas, ticks, lice), which serve as vectors of pathogens transmitted as the organism feeds or defecates; or endoparasites (e. g, helminths, protozoa), which can cause slowly progressive subclinical canine diseases as well as acute illnesses associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Safe, effective antiparasitic prophylaxis in dogs remains a topic of major interest to both veterinarians and their clients, especially with respect to the prevention of canine heartworm infection and flea or tick infestation. Many compounders, especially those whose pharmacy includes a retail component, counsel veterinarians and pet owners about preparations and commercially available medications that prevent or treat parasitic infestations and provide assistance in obtaining those therapies. To support such efforts, this article provides information about single agents and combination-drug products prophylactic against common canine parasites, emerging resistance to those medications, and the toxic effects that such treatments can engender in some canine breeds.

Efficacy of dinotefuran, permethrin and pyriproxyfen combination spot-on on dogs against Phlebotomus perniciosus and Ctenocephalides canis.

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a new topical ectoparasiticidal spot-on containing 4.95% dinotefuran (w/w), 36.08% permethrin (w/w) and 0.44% pyriproxyfen (w/w) (Vectra 3D, Ceva, Libourne, France) against Portuguese strain of Phlebotomus perniciosus and a French strain of Ctenocephalides canis in dogs. Twelve beagle dogs were exposed for 1 h to 100 P. perniciosus on day 6 for allocation in two groups. One group was treated on day 0, and the other group was the control group. The dogs were exposed for 1 h to 100 P. perniciosus on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. After each sandfly challenge, the same dogs were infested with 100 C. canis. Counts of living fleas were determined 48 h after infestation on days 4, 3, 9, 16, 23 and 30. For sandflies, the anti-feeding effect was 96.9, 99.7, 98.7, 83.5 and 87.0 % on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. The mortality effect was 97.8, 99.8, 73.7, 27.5 and 39.6% on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. At each challenge point, the mortality and anti-feeding effects on sandflies were significantly different between the control and treatment groups (p < 0.05). The adulticidal effect on C. canis remained above 99% throughout the study period. The results indicate that a combination with dinotefuran, permethrin and pyriproxyfen may be used as an effective part of an overall flea and sandfly control strategy in dogs for monthly use.

Efficacy of an oral formulation of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime against Tunga penetrans in naturally infected dogs.

BACKGROUND: The sand flea Tunga penetrans is one of the agents of tungiasis, an important parasitic skin disease affecting humans and several mammalian species. Tungiasis is mainly observed in disadvantaged rural and peripheral urban communities in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. The dog is a major reservoir of Tunga fleas. Hematophagous adult female Tunga spp. embed and grow in their host's epidermis and cause cutaneous inflammatory disorders. NexGard Spectra® is an orally administered endectocide for dogs, a co-formulation of the isoxazoline afoxolaner and the macrocyclic lactone milbemycin oxime. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of this product against canine tungiasis. METHODS: A blinded, negative-controlled field trial was conducted in a Brazilian community known to be highly endemic for tungiasis. Sixty-six dogs naturally infected with live T. penetrans were randomly allocated to a treated group (44 dogs) and an untreated control group (22 dogs). In a first phase, dogs from the treated group were treated on days 0, 30, and 60. Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the macroscopic parasitic skin lesions (Fortaleza classification) on days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90. In a second phase, to evaluate natural reinfections, all dogs were treated on day 90 and evaluated every 2 weeks thereafter until at least 30% of dogs were infected with live sand fleas. RESULTS: During the first phase, efficacy (reduction in live sand fleas) of 92.4% was demonstrated on day 7. From day 14 until day 90, the efficacy of NexGard Spectra® was 100%. In the second phase, all dogs were free of live T. penetrans from 15 until 45 days after the day 90 treatment; 60 days post-treatment, 11% of dogs were reinfected, and 75 days post-treatment, 40% of dogs were reinfected. CONCLUSIONS: NexGard Spectra® was demonstrated to be highly effective against canine tungiasis. In addition to an obvious beneficial effect on the health and welfare of the treated dog, the use of this product may have a one-health benefit on human cases by controlling the main reservoir of sand fleas.

EVALUATING BAITS WITH LUFENURON AND NITENPYRAM FOR FLEA CONTROL ON PRAIRIE DOGS (CYNOMYS SPP.) TO MITIGATE PLAGUE.

Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a widespread threat to endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) and their primary prey, prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). Wildlife biologists most commonly manage plague using insecticides to control fleas, the primary vectors of Y. pestis. We tested edible baits containing the insecticides lufenuron and/or nitenpyram in prairie dogs. During a laboratory study, we treated 26 white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus) with lufenuron at 300 mg/kg body mass. All animals remained clinically healthy over the 9 wk monitoring period. Although serum lufenuron concentrations were >130 ppb in two treatment groups at week 1, concentrations declined to ≤60 ppb after 3 wk in non-torpid prairie dogs and after 7 wk in torpid prairie dogs. In a field experiment, we tested baits containing a combination of 75 mg lufenuron and 6 mg nitenpyram, respectively, in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). We uniformly distributed baits at 125 baits/ha on two plots (treated once) and 250 baits/ha on two plots (each treated twice 4.4 wk apart). Following treatments, flea abundance increased on prairie dogs and remained stable in burrows. Our findings indicate that baits containing lufenuron and nitenpyram, at the reported treatment rates, are ineffective tools for flea control on prairie dogs. Future experiments might evaluate efficacy of higher doses of lufenuron and nitenpyram, and repetitive treatments at differing intervals over time to evaluate potentially therapeutic treatments.

Year-round efficacy of a single treatment of fluralaner injectable suspension (Bravecto Quantum™) against repeated infestations with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) and Ctenocephalides felis in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Poor owner compliance with monthly control measures means that dogs in Australia can remain susceptible to infestations with fleas, present throughout the whole year, and brown dog ticks, which thrive in tropical and subtropical areas. A 150 mg/ml injectable fluralaner suspension (Bravecto Quantum™) was developed to help ensure year-round protection against these parasites. A study investigated the persistent efficacy of this formulation against repeated challenges with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) and Ctenocephalides felis throughout 12 months following a single subcutaneous treatment. METHODS: Twenty dogs were blocked by pre-treatment R. sanguineus s.l. counts and randomized to an untreated control group or to a group treated once, on day 0, with the fluralaner injection (15 mg/kg). Infestations of 50 mixed-sex, unfed adult R. sanguineus s.l. and up to 100 C. felis were done on days 7, 14, 35, 63, 91, 126, 154, 182, 210, 245, 273, 301, 336 and 365. Live flea and tick counts were completed 48 h post-infestation. Flea infestations were also done on day -1, with counts on day 2. Infestations were considered adequate if at each evaluation, at least six dogs in the control group retained at least 20% of tick challenges and 25% of flea challenges. RESULTS: The fluralaner injectable suspension was well tolerated. Efficacy against existing flea infestations was > 99% (arithmetic and geometric means) at 48 h post-treatment. At all subsequent assessments throughout the year following treatment, efficacy against fleas remained at 100%. Arithmetic mean tick count reductions relative to the control group ranged from 97.6% to 100% from day 7 through 11 months and was 92.6% at 12 months (geometric means 95.2% to 100% through 12 months). CONCLUSION: The injectable fluralaner suspension was effective against fleas and brown dog ticks for 12 months following a single treatment. Compared with more frequently administered products where compliance may be suboptimal, the year-round efficacy of this veterinarian-administered fluralaner formulation has the potential to improve owner compliance for control of fleas and ticks. In turn, by reducing the detrimental effects of flea and tick infestations and risk of transmission of flea- and tick-borne pathogens, canine health can be enhanced.

Comparative efficacy on dogs of a single topical treatment with fipronil/(S)-methoprene or weekly physiological hygiene shampoos against Ctenocephalides felis in a simulated flea-infested environment.

Flea infestations of pets continue to persist due to the lack of knowledge of flea biology and ecology. It is not unusual that pet owners believe regular hygiene, such as shampooing their dogs can replace regular insecticidal treatment. The objective of this study was to compare in a flea simulated environment, modelling exposure similar to that found in a home, that the use of regular physiological shampoo does not control fleas adequately when compared to a long acting topical formulation. Three groups of six dogs were formed: one untreated control group, one group treated monthly with the topical formulation of fipronil/(S)-methoprene, and a third group treated weekly with a hygiene shampoo. All dogs were infested with adult unfed Ctenocephalides felis fleas (200±5) on Days -28 and -21. Each animal's sleeping box was fitted with a plastic cup mounted to the inside roof of the box. The sleeping bench of each animal was covered with a carpet to accommodate flea development. The dogs were maintained in their kennels throughout the study. In order to maintain the environmental flea challenge, C. felis pupae (100±5) were placed in the plastic cup in each animal's sleeping box on Days -14, -7, 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42. The dogs were combed and fleas counted weekly on Days -1, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 45, and 51. The fleas were placed immediately back on the dogs. On Day 60, fleas were counted and removed. Flea infestations in the untreated control group at each count averaged between 46.2 and 74.2 fleas throughout the study. The average number of fleas infesting dogs was significantly different (p<0.05) between the untreated and the two treatment groups and between the two treatment groups at all counts throughout the two months study (Days 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 45, 51 and 60). The efficacy was never below 99.1% in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene group, and efficacy in the shampoo group was never above 79.2%. Weekly shampooing in treatment group 3 was intentionally delayed after Day 42, to evaluate wether missing a weekly bath would affect the flea population. The Day 48 data indicate that forgetting or delaying a single weekly shampooing resulted in a clear increase in flea numbers and a significant decrease in efficacy from 68.2% to 34.8%. The fipronil(S)/methoprene treatment allowed a continuous control as demonstrated by the high efficacy against fleas, and also the number of flea-free dogs on seven of the nine weekly assessments, in spite of what was essentially a continuous flea challenge model.

Efficacy of two endectoparasiticide products combining fipronil and (S)-methoprene or esafoxolaner with eprinomectin and praziquantel against fleas and intestinal helminths in cats naturally infested in Brazil.

Eprinomectin and praziquantel, nematodicide and cestodicide compounds, are both combined with the insecticide and acaricide compounds fipronil and (S)-methoprene in Frontline® Protect/Broadline®, or esafoxolaner in NexGard® Combo. These topical feline endectoparasiticide products were tested for efficacy against fleas and intestinal helminths in a field trial in Brazil. Flea- and/or helminth-infested domestic cats were treated twice at a monthly interval following label instructions: 160 cats with Frontline® Protect/Broadline® and 165 cats with NexGard® Combo. The flea and intestinal helminth infestations were evaluated using comb counts and copromicroscopy, respectively before first treatment for baseline value, then 9 and 30 days after each treatment for fleas, and 9 days after each treatment for helminths. Multiparasitism was very frequent at baseline, as amongst the 325 included cats, 295, 280, 86 and 93 cats were at least infested with Ctenocephalides fleas, Ancylostoma, Toxocara and Dipylidium caninum, respectively. Efficacies were calculated by comparing the geometric means at baseline and at post-treatment timepoints for each parasite genus/species. Inclusive of both products and of all evaluation timepoints, the Ctenocephalides, Ancylostoma, Toxocara and D. caninum efficacies were at least 98.3%, 99.8%, 99.8% and 96.3%, respectively. No adverse reactions were observed, except for a few instances of mild, transient, and self-resolving hypersalivation occurring on the day of treatment in both groups. This field trial demonstrated high-level efficacy of Frontline® Protect/Broadline® and NexGard® Combo against major parasites of cats in Brazil.

TITLE: Efficacité de deux produits endectoparasiticides associant fipronil et (S)-méthoprène ou esafoxolaner à l'éprinomectine et au praziquantel contre les puces et les helminthes intestinaux chez les chats naturellement infestés au Brésil. ABSTRACT: L'éprinomectine et le praziquantel, composés nématodicides et cestodicides, sont tous les deux associés aux composés insecticides et acaricides fipronil et (S)-méthoprène dans Frontline® Protect/Broadline®, ou esafoxolaner dans NexGard® Combo. Ces produits endectoparasiticides félins topiques ont été testés pour leur efficacité contre les puces et les helminthes intestinaux lors d'un essai sur le terrain au Brésil. Des chats domestiques infestés de puces et/ou d'helminthes ont été traités deux fois à intervalle d'un mois en suivant les instructions d'utilisation, 160 chats avec Frontline® Protect/Broadline® et 165 chats avec NexGard® Combo. Les infestations par les puces et les helminthes intestinaux ont été évaluées en utilisant respectivement par comptage au peigne et par copromicroscopie, avant le premier traitement pour la valeur de base, puis 9 et 30 jours après chaque traitement pour les puces, et 9 jours après chaque traitement pour les helminthes. Le multiparasitisme était très fréquent à l'inclusion puisque parmi les 325 chats inclus, 295, 280, 86 et 93 chats étaient au moins infestés respectivement par les puces Ctenocephalides, ou Ancylostoma, Toxocara et Dipylidium caninum. Les efficacités ont été calculées en comparant les moyennes géométriques au départ et aux points d'évaluation post-traitement pour chaque genre/espèce de parasite. En incluant les deux produits et tous les points temporels d'évaluation, les efficacités contre Ctenocephalides, Ancylostoma, Toxocara et D. caninum étaient respectivement d'au moins 98,3 %, 99,8 %, 99,8 % et 96,3 %. Aucun effet indésirable n'a été observé à l'exception de quelques cas d'hypersalivation légère, transitoire et auto-résolvante survenant le jour d'un traitement dans les deux groupes. Cet essai sur le terrain a démontré une efficacité de haut niveau de Frontline® Protect / Broadline® et NexGard® Combo contre les principaux parasites des chats au Brésil.