Comparison of topical permethrin 5% vs. benzyl benzoate 25% treatment in scabies: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is a pruritic parasitic infestation of the skin. High-income countries have reported an increasing incidence over the last few years. Studies have indicated a reduction in the sensitivity of scabies mites to the standard treatment of choice, topical permethrin 5%. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in a head-to-head manner the efficacy of two topical scabicides [permethrin 5% and benzyl benzoate 25% (BB)] in the treatment of scabies using the same administration modality; and to address potential confounding factors such as incorrectly performed treatment and hygiene measures. METHODS: In total, 110 patients with dermoscopy-verified scabies infestation were enrolled and randomized into two equally sized groups in a double-blinded manner. Fifty-five received topical permethrin 5% and 55 received topical BB 25%, both for daily use over a period of three consecutive days. Treatment outcome was evaluated by dermoscopy at a 3-week follow-up visit. RESULTS: Treatment resulted in a dermoscopy-verified cure rate of 27% in the permethrin group and 87% in the BB group. The tolerability and safety profile of permethrin 5% cream was excellent, while the BB emulsion produced a burning sensation in 43% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Topical permethrin demonstrated a lack of efficacy in the majority of scabies cases, whereas BB demonstrated an excellent cure rate and reasonable tolerability. Considering the reduced sensitivity of scabies mites to permethrin 5%, our results suggest that BB is an appropriate first-line therapy in the treatment of scabies.

The most effective systemic treatment in dogs with sarcoptic mange: a critically appraised topic.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptic mange is a common, pruritic parasitic skin disease of dogs. Due to its highly contagious character, it represents a potential veterinary and public health risk. Because of clinical similarity with other diseases, cross-antigenicity, and low sensitivity of available diagnostic methods, therapeutical trial is frequently used to confirm the disease. Considering the variety of available acaricidal molecules as well as the need to use the most effective treatment, the present paper reviews evidence comparing different types of systemic treatment of canine scabies. RESULTS: Analysis of the results showed that afoxolaner, fluralaner and sarolaner as well as several macrocyclic lactones such as selamectin, moxidectin and milbemycin oxime can lead to parasitological and clinical cure. CONCLUSION: The similarity in the clinical and parasitological efficacy of these substances enhances the need for comparative studies, which could allow the identification of the most efficacious product.

Successful long-term control of poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations in floor-kept laying hens via integrated pest management-a case report.

This case report describes the successful control of poultry red mite [PRM] (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations in an experimental laying hen house via a combined use of cleaning and disinfection measure, the preventive application of a synthetic silica-based acaricide and frequent mite monitoring. The high number of PRM in the laying hen house was reduced by 99.8% by treatment with fluralaner (Exzolt®, MSD Animal Health Unterschleißheim, Germany; 0.5 mg/kg body weight via drinking water twice, 7 days apart). After the laying hens were removed, the hen house was dry-cleaned, wet-cleaned and disinfected. After drying, synthetic amorphous silica (Fossil Shield® instant white, Bein GmbH, Eiterfeld, Germany) was applied as a preventive measure before the hen house was restocked with pullets for two housing periods of 58 and 52 weeks. Over these periods (i.e. more than 2 years), no PRM was detected during mite monitoring at two-week intervals via tube traps and visual monitoring. This result therefore suggests that the combined use of appropriate chemical and physical prevention measures within an integrated pest management regime can be successfully used for the long-term control of PRM. This could reduce the use of acaricidal drugs, thereby helping maintain their efficacy.

Do combinations of fipronil, eugenol and carvacrol have synergistic effects against Rhipicephalus sanguineus?

The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is one of the main ectoparasites that affects dogs, causing direct and indirect damage to parasitized animals. Currently, infestation control is mainly carried out by using synthetic acaricidal drugs. However, a decrease in efficacy and an increase in resistance to the main therapeutic protocols against tick infestations have been increasingly reported and confirmed, a factor that has driven research into the potential acaricide activity of natural compounds, including in association with synthetic molecules. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the combinations of fipronil (FIP) and eugenol (EUG), FIP and carvacrol (CAR), and EUG and CAR would have synergistic effects against immature and unfed adult stages of R. sanguineus through in vitro bioassays. Bioassays were carried out using the larval packet test (FAO 2004) adapted for nymphs and adults. The synergistic activity was explored by combining each solution, based on the estimated LC50, in a 1:1 ratio (FIP: EUG, FIP: CAR and EUG: CAR). CompuSyn software was used to evaluate the various pairwise combinations of FIP, EUG and CAR, checking if there was synergism or antagonism between them. FIP and EUG and FIP and CAR showed combination index (CIn) values above 1.45, indicating antagonism. The synergistic activity between EUG and CAR was verified against all unfed phases of R. sanguineus, since the CIn was below 0.70, a value that indicates synergism. The combination of fipronil with either eugenol or carvacrol presented antagonistic effects against R. sanguineus larvae. On the other hand, carvacrol and eugenol had excellent pharmacological synergism against all tick stages with mortality values in the range of 80 to 100%, including the adult stage, which is less susceptible than immature stages.

[Acaricidal therapy in chronic demodex blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunctions]. / Akaritsidnoe lechebnoe vozdeistvie pri khronicheskom demodekoznom blefarite i disfunktsii meibomievykh zhelez.

PURPOSE: The study comparatively evaluates the effectiveness of various approaches to acaricidal treatment in patients with chronic demodex blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunctions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 40 patients with chronic blepharitis (CB) of demodicosis etiology in conditions of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye (DE). The 1st group of patients (20 people) received acaricidal treatment as part of therapeutic eyelid hygiene (TEH; 2 times a day) involving the use of «Blefarogel ochishchenie¼, «Blefarolosion¼, «Blefarogel forte¼ (contains sulfur and metronidazole). Acaricidal treatment in the patients of the 2nd group involved applications of a product containing metronidazole (2 times a day) without TEH. Control points: 1) at inclusion in the study; 2) after a course of therapy (45 days). Evaluation included: patient acarograms, symptoms and signs of CB (points); OSDI; tear film break-up time (TBUT, sec), severity of meibomian gland dysfunction (S-MGD, points). Statistical analysis: calculation of M±SD, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: Acaricidal treatment was effective in both groups (reduction in demodex population, which was more pronounced in the 1st group). Symptoms and signs of CB were significantly less pronounced in the patients of the 1st group after therapy. The patients of the 1st group showed a significant decrease in S-MGD, OSDI and an increase in TBUT, the 2nd group - a significant decrease in OSDI and an increase in TBUT at the second control point. The positive OSDI and TBUT trends were significantly more pronounced in the 1st group. CONCLUSION: Acaricidal treatment as part of TEH showed a significantly more pronounced reduction in demodex population, relief of CB symptoms and sign, OSDI decrease and TBUT increase, compared to the 2nd group. Apparently, this was associated with combined acaricidal effect and significant S-MGD decrease in the patients of the 1st group.

Resistance of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus to fluazuron in Argentina.

The aim of this work is to report the presence of resistance to fluazuron in a population of Rhipicephalus microplus in Argentina. The evidence was obtained from field and in vitro trials. In the field trial, cattle infested with ticks was treated with two commercial formulations of fluazuron. The in vitro trial (adult immersion test, AIT) was performed by using technical grade fluazuron. In the field trial, there were no significant differences between the treated and control groups between days 2 and 34 post-treatment. The only exceptions (treated group I in day 14 post-treatment, treated group II in days 23 and 29 post-treatment) had a significantly lower tick load than the untreated group, but the efficacy was not higher than 70%. Viable engorged females were collected on both groups of treated bovines in all counts, and the production of viable larvae was not precluded with the application of the two commercial formulations of fluazuron evaluated in this study. The results obtained with the in vitro assay (AIT) also indicate that the R. microplus population tested in this work has a higher level of resistance to fluazuron than another susceptible field strain. The integrated analysis of the field and in vitro trials clearly reveals the emergence of resistance to fluazuron in a R. microplus population from Argentina. This diagnosis of resistance does not imply that the fluazuron has lost its functionality at a regional scale, but it highlights the need to establish control strategies that minimize the use of this drug in order to preserve its functionality as an acaricide.

The use of Cydectin® by wildlife carers to treat sarcoptic mange in free-ranging bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus).

Wombats suffer from sarcoptic mange, a mite infection that ultimately leads to their death from secondary infections. In 2017, wildlife carers were granted legal approval to treat bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) for sarcoptic mange in the field using 4 mL of topical Cydectin® per adult wombat. However, (limited) scientific field trials suggest approved protocols are inadequate which has been supported anecdotally by wildlife carers. Elucidating carer experience is key to holistically advancing understandings of sarcoptic mange treatment. We interviewed 18 wildlife carers regarding the use of Cydectin® to treat free-ranging adult wombats infected with sarcoptic mange which uncovered 43 detailed case studies for examination. Case studies revealed that wildlife carers have used 10-200-mL doses of topical Cydectin® to treat wombats to recovery. These results suggest there is no best-fit for treating wombats in the field, due to individual differences in observed levels of sarcoptic mange severity and differences in wombat behavior. Furthermore, wildlife carers suggested pour-on Cydectin® appeared non-toxic to wombats at rates as high as 200 mL per treatment. We recommend scientific trials should be undertaken to determine the impact and efficacy of the varying treatment regimens, including low and high doses of topical Cydectin® on bare-nosed wombats. This information is required for regulating authorities, and subsequently wildlife carers, and managers, to make fully informed decisions about wombat sarcoptic mange treatment.

An update on amitraz efficacy against Rhipicephalus microplus after 15 years of disuse.

Amitraz is an acaricide that is widely used in veterinary medicine to control the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. However, controversy exists in the literature regarding the resistance of R. microplus to this product. The present work provides an update on the acaricidal efficacy of amitraz (Triatox®, 12.5 % amitraz) after 15 years without its use on a property. Two in vivo (bovines treated with amitraz and submitted to tick counts, n = 20 animals) and one in vitro (adult immersion test, n = 40 ticks) assays were performed to determine product efficacy. The efficacy of the commercial formulation tested in the first in vivo trial ranged from 14.1 to 47.0%, and in the second from 3.6 to 35.1%, for the 28 days of the experiments. Efficacy for the in vitro trial was 47.38%. The dose recommended by the manufacturer of the product did not cause mortality to most of the ticks of this strain, and efficacy/resistance was not reverted or modified after 15 years (estimated 60 tick generations).

In Vitro Activity of Beauvericin against All Developmental Stages of Sarcoptes scabiei.

Scabies is a frequent cutaneous infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei in a large number of mammals, including humans. As the resistance of S. scabiei against several chemical acaricides has been previously documented, the establishment of alternative and effective control molecules is required. In this study, the potential acaricidal activity of beauvericin was assessed against different life stages of S. scabiei var. suis and in comparison with dimpylate and ivermectin, two commercially available molecules used for the treatment of S. scabiei infection in animals and/or humans. The toxicity of beauvericin against cultured human fibroblast skin cells was evaluated using an MTT proliferation assay. In our in vitro model, developmental stages of S. scabiei were placed in petri dishes filled with Columbia agar supplemented with pig serum and different concentrations of the drugs. Cell sensitivity assays demonstrated low toxicity of beauvericin against primary human fibroblast skin cells. At 0.5 and 5 mM, beauvericin showed higher activity against adults and eggs of S. scabiei compared to dimpylate and ivermectin. These results revealed that the use of beauvericin is promising and might be considered for the treatment of S. scabiei infection.

Comparison of the efficacy of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil with other current pharmacological management in human demodicosis: A Systematic Review.

Various treatments are found to be moderately effective in managing Demodex-related diseases except tea tree oil (TTO) and terpinen-4-ol (T4O), which showed superior miticidal and anti-inflammatory effects in numerous clinical studies. Their possible effects include lowering mite counts, relieving Demodex-related symptoms, and modulating the immune system. This review summarizes the current clinical topical and oral treatments in human demodicosis, their possible mechanisms of action, side-effects and resistance in treating this condition. TTO (especially T4O) is found to be the most effective followed by metronidazole, ivermectin and permethrin in managing the disease. This is because TTO has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. Furthermore, nanoTTO can even release its contents into fungus and Pseudomonas biofilms. Combinations of different treatments are occasionally needed for refractory cases, especially for individuals with underlying genetic predisposal or are immuno-compromised. Although the current treatments show efficacy in controlling the Demodex mite population and the related symptoms, further research needs to be focused on the efficacy and drug delivery technology in order to develop alternative treatments with better side-effects profiles, less toxicity, lower risk of resistance and are more cost-effective.

The scabicide effect of moxidectin in vitro and in experimental animals: Parasitological, histopathological and immunological evaluation.

Scabies is considered one of the commonest dermatological diseases that has a global health burden. Current treatment with ivermectin (IVM) is insufficient and potential drug resistance was noticed. Moxidectin (MOX), with a better pharmacological profile may be a promising alternative. The efficacy of moxidectin against Sarcoptes scabiei was assessed both in vitro and in vivo in comparison with ivermectin. For the in vitro assay, both drugs were used in two concentrations (50 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml). For the in vivo assay, twenty rabbits infected with Sarcoptes scabiei were divided into three groups: untreated, moxidectin-treated and ivermectin-treated with the same dose of 0.3 mg/kg once. Another four rabbits were used as a normal control non-infected group. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by clinical assessment, parasitological evaluation and histopathological examination of skin samples using Hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue for mast cell staining. Immune response was also assessed by immunohistochemical staining of CD3 T cells in skin samples. Our results showed that moxidectin had a high efficacy (100%) in killing mites when used in both concentrations (50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml) in the in vitro assay. Concerning the in vivo assay, on day 14 post-treatment, all MOX-treated rabbits were mite-free with full clinical cure by the end of the study (D21) showing (100%) reduction of mites count. Also, marked improvement in the epidermis with absence of mites in skin samples were shown. Poor clinical and parasitological improvements were noted in the ivermectin-treated rabbits, when given as a single dose with a percentage reduction (60.67%) in the 2nd week and progressive increase in lesions and mites count in the 3rd week post-treatment. Regarding the immune response, MOX-treated group showed mild infiltration with both mast cells and CD3 T cells in comparison to severe infiltration with both types of cells in the untreated and IVM-treated group. On conclusion, our results demonstrated that a single dose of MOX was more effective than IVM, supporting MOX as a valuable therapeutic approach for scabies therapy.

Rhipicephalus microplus (acari: Ixodidae): Clinical safety and potential control by topical application of cottonseed oil (Gossypium sp.) on cattle.

The present study was performed to determine the acaricidal activity of the cottonseed oil (CSO) against cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. CSO was analyzed using Gas Chromatograph with high-resolution Mass Spectrometer (GC-HRMS) to identify the presence of active compounds. In vitro bioassays were performed using larval packet test (LPT) and adult immersion test (AIT) by taking different concentrations of CSO (i.e. 0.1, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5%). In vivo acaricidal activity of CSO was evaluated by its topical application on red Sahiwal calves for 144 h. Clinical safety of CSO was evaluated by performing skin irritancy test and examination of hematological profile of calves'. GC-HRMS analysis of CSO revealed the presence of many fatty acids including oleic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and other components. Results exhibited that all the concentrations of CSO were effective in reducing the number of ticks and their growth. However, CSO at concentrations of 10% (CSO7) and 12.5% (CSO8) exhibited 100% mortality of R. microplus larvae and adults in LPT and AIT, respectively. In vivo acaricidal assay revealed that CSO7 and CSO8 shown 85% and 89% inhibition of ticks, respectively on calves after 144 h as compared to the control group. CSO was clinically safe on calves' skin with mild erythema up to 20 min. Hematological profile of calves revealed no sign of toxicity after treatment with CSO. Thus, CSO can be used as an alternative and safe drug therapy against R. microplus.

Prevention of transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum by Ixodes spp. ticks to dogs treated with the Seresto® collar (imidacloprid 10% + flumethrin 4.5%).

The capability of imidacloprid 10% + flumethrin 4.5% (Seresto®) collars to prevent transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap) by naturally infected ticks was evaluated in two studies with 44 dogs. In each study, one group served as non-treated control, whereas the other groups were treated with the Seresto® collar. All dogs were exposed to naturally Bbsl- and Ap-infected hard ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes scapularis). In study 1, tick infestation was performed on study day (SD) 63 (2 months post-treatment [p.t.]); in study 2, it was performed on SD 32 (one month p.t.) respectively SD 219 (seven months p.t.). In situ tick counts were performed 2 days after infestation. Tick counts and removals followed 6 (study 1) or 5 days (study 2) later. Blood sampling was performed for the detection of specific Bbsl and Ap antibodies and, in study 1, for the documentation of Ap DNA by PCR. Skin biopsies were examined for Bbsl by PCR and culture (only study 1). The efficacy against Ixodes spp. was 100% at all time points. In study 1, two of six non-treated dogs became infected with Bbsl, and four of six tested positive for Ap; none of the treated dogs tested positive for Bbsl or Ap. In study 2, ten of ten non-treated dogs became infected with Bbsl and Ap; none of the treated dogs tested positive for Bbsl or Ap; 100% acaricidal efficacy was shown in both studies. Transmission of Bbsl and Ap was successfully blocked for up to 7 months.

Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea may be associated with a subclinical stage of demodicosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Facial densities of Demodex mites have been observed to be greater in patients with demodicosis and papulopustular rosacea than in healthy control patients. In patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), this density has been observed to be similar to or greater than that of healthy controls. Erythema and telangiectasia, characteristics of ETR, are often observed among patients with pityriasis folliculorum, a discreet demodicosis, suggesting a possible link between these conditions. OBJECTIVES: To compare the facial Demodex densities of patients with clinical ETR and patients with healthy skin, demodicosis, rosacea with papulopustules, and other facial dermatoses. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we recorded Demodex densities measured using two consecutive standardized skin surface biopsies (SSSB1 and SSSB2) in 23 patients with ETR, 20 healthy control patients, 590 patients with demodicosis, 254 with rosacea with papulopustules and 180 with other facial dermatoses. RESULTS: Patients with ETR had higher Demodex densities (D cm-2 ) than did the healthy controls (mean ± SEM; SSSB1: 15·7 ± 6·3 vs. 1·8 ± 1·1 D cm-2 , P = 0·042; SSSB2: 38·0 ± 13·7 vs. 5·1 ± 2·1 D cm-2 , P = 0·026) and patients with other dermatoses (SSSB1: 0·4 ± 0·1 D cm-2 , P = 0·004; SSSB2: 1·3 ± 0·3 D cm-2 , P = 0·004), but lower densities than patients with demodicosis (SSSB1: 82·7 ± 4·2 D cm-2 , P = 0·008; SSSB2: 172·2 ± 7·7 D cm-2 , P = 0·001) or rosacea with papulopustules (SSSB1: 86·6 ± 7·3 D cm-2 , P = 0·027; SSSB2: 197·0 ± 12·1 D cm-2 , P = 0·002). CONCLUSIONS: ETR may be associated with nonvisible Demodex proliferation, possibly corresponding to a subclinical stage of demodicosis. Dermatologists should be aware of this potential association and look for subclinical demodicosis in patients with ETR, so that topical acaricidal treatment can be offered if Demodex density is high.

Critically appraised topic for the most effective and safe treatment for canine generalised demodicosis.

BACKGROUND: Canine generalised demodicosis is an inflammatory parasitic skin disease caused by an excessive proliferation of Demodex spp. Generalized demodicosis is a severe skin disease, that can be life threatening if not treated properly. Many of the current treatment options are not licensed for the treatment of generalised demodicosis, it have a low safety margin and may be poorly efficacious and time-consuming for the owner; there is a need for a safe, efficacious treatment for canine demodicosis. Our objective was to systematically review the literature to determine the most effective and safe topical or systemic therapy for canine generalised demodicosis. Single case reports and case series with fewer than five patients were not reviewed as they were considered to be poor quality evidence. A detailed literature search identified 21 relevant clinical trials and these were critically assessed. RESULTS: The analysis of the best available evidence on March 5, 2018, suggests that six are the most effective and safe treatments for generalised canine demodicosis including (in alphabetical order): doramectin (oral or parenteral); fluralaner (oral); imidacloprid/moxidectin (topical); ivermectin (oral, not as first choice treatment); milbemycin oxime (oral); and sarolaner (oral). There was insufficient evidence to allow comment on the appropriateness of other treatment protocols for canine generalised demodicosis in this CAT. CONCLUSIONS: In our critical appraisal of the best scientific literature, there is evidence for recommending the use of 6 therapeutic options against demodectic mange. Further, in vivo, controlled, randomized and blinded clinical trials are required, to evaluate new therapies.

Clinical efficacy of orally administered fluralaner for treatment of scabies in six free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

BACKGROUND: Sarcoptic mange in free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) caused by Sarcoptes scabiei is a widespread zoonotic disease that causes severe skin lesions with significant morbidity and mortality. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline chemical class and is an acaricide and insecticide widely used in flea, tick and mite infections of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of orally administered fluralaner in free-ranging raccoon dogs naturally infected with sarcoptic mange. ANIMALS: Six raccoon dogs rescued at the Seoul Wildlife Center between November 2017 and April 2018. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Raccoon dogs were treated with a single dose of a chewable fluralaner tablet. Clinical lesion scoring and superficial skin scraping were performed weekly for three weeks to assess treatment efficacy; the general health was assessed daily to monitor response and observe any adverse drug reactions. RESULTS: Within seven days of treatment, a marked reduction in skin lesions was observed and mites were no longer present in skin scrapings. There was no evidence of re-infestation and no additional drug administration was required. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although this was a nonrandomized, uncontrolled study of a small number of animals, it demonstrated that fluralaner may be suitable for treating sarcoptic mange in raccoon dogs.

Topical scabies therapy with permethrin is effective and well tolerated in infants younger than two months.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Proper management of infantile scabies is indispensable in order to prevent prolonged duration and spread of the disease. Data are still lacking that support topical treatment with permethrin 5 % cream in infants under two months of age, and application remains off-label for this age group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified infants younger than two months who suffered from scabies in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical treatment with permethrin cream in this age group. Diagnosis of scabies was based on the typical symptoms and pathognomonic features as determined with dermoscopy. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of the therapies that were applied. RESULTS: Seven scabies patients under two months of age were treated with permethrin 5 % cream. Topical therapy was repeated up to three times in four patients due to incomplete resolution or recurrence of skin lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Permethrin therapy was well tolerated in all seven infants, even when conducted several times. Our results confirm that the use of permethrin 5 % cream in children younger than two months of age is safe.

A field trial in Thailand of the efficacy of oral fluralaner for the treatment of dogs with generalized demodicosis.

BACKGROUND: Generalized demodicosis in dogs can be challenging to manage, especially in adult-onset cases. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the efficacy of oral fluralaner at the dose of 25-50 mg/kg for the treatment of canine generalized demodicosis. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs from Bangkok, Thailand, diagnosed with generalized demodicosis according to published criteria. METHODS: Deep skin scrapings were performed at three to five affected areas to evaluate numbers of mites. Repeat examinations were performed monthly until parasitological cure; dogs were then followed up for two to 12 months. Parasitological cure was defined as two negative skin scrapings achieved one month apart. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen dogs were included in the study, 73 with adult-onset demodicosis and 42 with juvenile-onset demodicosis. Twenty one dogs were lost to follow-up and 27 had one negative skin scraping but did not return. Sixty seven dogs (21 with juvenile-onset and 46 with adult-onset disease) reached parasitological cure, which occurred after two, three and four months in 63%, 85% and 100% (respectively) of dogs with adult-onset demodicosis, cumulatively, and after two and three months in 81% and 100% of dogs with juvenile-onset demodicosis. Underlying causes associated with adult-onset demodicosis included atopic dermatitis, neoplasia, metabolic diseases and idiopathy. No adverse effects of fluralaner were observed in any of the dogs. CONCLUSION: Fluralaner given at the label dose for flea and tick prevention is effective for the treatment of canine generalized demodicosis.

SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF GENERALIZED DEMODICOSIS IN RED-HANDED TAMARINS ( SAGUINUS MIDAS) USING A SINGLE ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL FLURALANER.

Two adult sibling red-handed tamarins ( Saguinus midas) presented with weight loss and multifocal skin masses. A skin biopsy revealed pyogranulomatous dermatitis with intrafollicular Demodex sp. mites. Subsequent skin scrapes confirmed the presence of live mites within lesions. Initial treatment with topical and oral ivermectin was unsuccessful, and lesions continued to progress. A single dose of fluralaner (Bravecto®, Merck Animal Health, Kenilworth, New Jersey, 07033, USA; 28.125 mg po) was administered to each animal approximately 5 mo after initial presentation. Lesions resolved over the next 3 mo, and all follow-up skin scrapes were negative for both animals. No adverse effects were noted. A single oral administration of fluralaner at 30-35 mg/kg appears adequate and safe for the treatment of generalized demodicosis in red-handed tamarins.

ERADICATION OF A TROPICAL RAT MITE ( ORNITHONYSSUS BACOTI) INFESTATION FROM A CAPTIVE COLONY OF ENDANGERED AMARGOSA VOLES ( MICROTUS CALIFORNICUS SCIRPENSIS).

Staff at a university laboratory responsible for management of a captive insurance colony of endangered Amargosa voles ( Microtus californicus scirpensis) discovered an outbreak of tropical rat mites ( Ornithonyssus bacoti) infesting 106 voles. This bloodsucking mesostigmatid mite typically occurs in laboratory settings and can cause weight loss, wounds, or other negative impacts on health. The source of the infestation was likely feral rodents, and the route was suspected to be straw bedding. Twenty-nine of the 106 (27.4%) infested voles developed ulcerated dorsal skin lesions that resolved when treated with topical selamectin. A triad approach was implemented to eradicate the mites, consisting of environmental management, individual animal treatment, and training. Voles were moved individually into a clean room containing only autoclaved materials (including straw), cages were treated with permethrin-impregnated cotton, treatment order was instituted to avoid transferring mites, and voles coming from outside were quarantined. All animals in an infested room were treated with topical selamectin, and personnel were trained on risks and new procedures. No adverse effects from the use of selamectin were identified, and this efficient protocol does not require the long-term use of acaricides. This report documents infestation of an endangered rodent with an exotic parasite, safe use of permethrin and selamectin in this species, and comprehensive management to manage a large infestation.