A preliminary investigation on the use of imidocarb dipropionate in the prophylaxis of anaplasmosis and babesiosis [abstract]

ABSTRACT

The prophylactic effect of imidocarb dipropionate on anaplasmosis and babesiosis was studied using twenty-seven heifers at the university field station. Fifteen animals were administered imidocarb dipropionate intramuscularly at a dose of 2mg-kg 1 while twelve were left as controls. All animals were subsequently turned out to pasture from a feedlot environment which was tick-free. Over a period of seven months, the heifers were monitored for tick infestation, weight gain, body temperature, haematological para-meters such as packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell count, total plasma protein, the differences in other parameters between treated and untreated control heifers were not significantly different. It is concluded that the administration of imidocarb dipropionate for the purpose of prophylaxis of babesiosis and/or anaplasmosis in this situation was of no significant value. (AU)