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Self S, Yang Y, Walden H, Yabsley MJ, McMahan C, Herrin BH. A nowcast model to predict outdoor flea activity in real time for the contiguous United States. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:27. [PMID: 38254213 PMCID: PMC10804753 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), a parasite commonly found on both dogs and cats, is a competent vector for several zoonotic pathogens, including Dipylidium caninum (tapeworms), Bartonella henselae (responsible for cat scratch disease) and Rickettsia felis (responsible for flea-borne spotted fever). Veterinarians recommend that both cats and dogs be routinely treated with medications to prevent flea infestation. Nevertheless, surveys suggest that nearly one third of pet owners do not routinely administer appropriate preventatives. METHODS A mathematical model based on weighted averaging over time is developed to predict outdoor flea activity from weather conditions for the contiguous United States. This 'nowcast' model can be updated in real time as weather conditions change and serves as an important tool for educating pet owners about the risks of flea-borne disease. We validate our model using Google Trends data for searches for the term 'fleas.' This Google Trends data serve as a proxy for true flea activity, as validating the model by collecting fleas over the entire USA is prohibitively costly and time-consuming. RESULTS The average correlation (r) between the nowcast outdoor flea activity predictions and the Google Trends data was moderate: 0.65, 0.70, 0.66, 0.71 and 0.63 for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. However, there was substantial regional variation in performance, with the average correlation in the East South Atlantic states being 0.81 while the average correlation in the Mountain states was only 0.45. The nowcast predictions displayed strong seasonal and geographic patterns, with predicted activity generally being highest in the summer months. CONCLUSIONS The nowcast model is a valuable tool by which to educate pet owners regarding the risk of fleas and flea-borne disease and the need to routinely administer flea preventatives. While it is ideal for domestic cats and dogs to on flea preventatives year-round, many pets remain vulnerable to flea infestation. Alerting pet owners to the local increased risk of flea activity during certain times of the year may motivate them to administer appropriate routine preventives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Self
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Yuan Yang
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, USA
| | - Heather Walden
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Christopher McMahan
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, USA
| | - Brian H Herrin
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA.
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Alcântara JA, de Araújo FSA, da Costa Paz A, Alencar RM, de Albuquerque Caldas BY, Godoy RSM, Lacerda MVG, de Melo GC, Monteiro WM, de Souza Sampaio V, Secundino NFC, Duarte APM, Santana RAG, Pimenta PFP. Effect of fluralaner on the biology, survival, and reproductive fitness of the neotropical malaria vector Anopheles aquasalis. Malar J 2023; 22:337. [PMID: 37936198 PMCID: PMC10631211 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04767-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing mosquito abundance or interfering with its ability to support the parasite cycle can help to interrupt malaria in areas of significant risk of malaria transmission. Fluralaner is a safe and effective drug for veterinary use indicated for the treatment against fleas and ticks which acts as an antagonist of chloride ion channels mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), preventing the entry of these ions into the postsynaptic neuron, leading to hyperexcitability of the postsynaptic neuron of the central nervous system of arthropods. Fluralaner demonstrated insecticidal activity against different insect species. METHODS The study aimed to evaluate the effects of fluralaner on the biology, survival, and reproductive fitness of Anopheles aquasalis. The following lethal concentrations (LC) were determined for An. aquasalis: LC5 = 0.511 µM; LC25 = 1.625 µM; LC50 = 3.237 µM. RESULTS A significant decrease (P < 0.001) was evident in the number of eggs, larvae, and pupae in the group exposed to a sublethal dose of fluralaner when compared to a control group (without the drug). Using blood from dogs after administration of fluralaner, it was observed that the drug causes 100% mortality in An. aquasalis in less than 24 h after feeding; this effect remains even after 90 days in all samples. DISCUSSION Fluralaner showed the same result for up to 60 days, and after that, there was a slight reduction in its effect, evidenced by a decrease in the percentage of dead females; however, still significant when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Fluralaner affects the biology and reduction of survival in An. aquasalis in a lasting and prolonged period, and its fecundity with lower dosages, is a strong candidate for controlling disease vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Arthur Alcântara
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Francys Sayara Andrade de Araújo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Andréia da Costa Paz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Maciel Alencar
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Soares Maia Godoy
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ-Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-(IRR-Fiocruz Minas), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius Guimarães Lacerda
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - (ILMD - Fiocruz Amazônia), Manaus, Brazil
- University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, USA
| | - Gisely Cardoso de Melo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Vanderson de Souza Sampaio
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Nágila Francinete Costa Secundino
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ-Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-(IRR-Fiocruz Minas), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Marques Duarte
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-(IRR-Fiocruz Minas), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rosa Amélia Gonçalves Santana
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - (ILMD - Fiocruz Amazônia), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Paulo Filemon Paolucci Pimenta
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical-Universidade do Estado do Amazonas/Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (PPGM-UEA/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil.
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa-Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (DENPE/FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ-Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Instituto René Rachou-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-(IRR-Fiocruz Minas), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Duncan K, Barrett AW, Little SE, Sundstrom KD, Guerino F. Fluralaner (Bravecto ®) treatment kills Aedes aegypti after feeding on Dirofilaria immitis-infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:208. [PMID: 37340454 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05819-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transmission of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) from infected to naïve dogs is dependent on successful mosquito feeding and survival. METHODS To determine whether treating heartworm-infected dogs with fluralaner (Bravecto®) limits the survival of infected mosquitoes, and potentially the transmission of D. immitis, we allowed female mosquitoes to feed on microfilaremic dogs and evaluated mosquito survival and infection with D. immitis. Eight dogs were experimentally infected with D. immitis. On day 0 (~ 11 months post-infection), four microfilaremic dogs were treated with fluralaner according to label directions while the other four were non-treated controls. Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti Liverpool) were allowed to feed on each dog on days -7, 2, 30, 56, and 84. Fed mosquitoes were collected, and the number of live mosquitoes determined at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-feeding. Surviving mosquitoes held for 2 weeks were dissected to confirm third-stage D. immitis larvae; PCR (12S rRNA gene) was performed post-dissection to identify D. immitis in mosquitoes. RESULTS Prior to treatment, 98.4%, 85.1%, 60.7%, and 40.3% of mosquitoes fed on microfilaremic dogs were alive at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-feeding, respectively. Similarly, mosquitoes fed on microfilaremic, non-treated dogs were alive 6 h post-feeding (98.5-100%) throughout the study. In contrast, mosquitoes fed on fluralaner-treated dogs 2 days after treatment were dead or severely moribund by 6 h post-feeding. At 30 and 56 days post-treatment, > 99% of mosquitoes fed on treated dogs were dead by 24 h. At 84 days post-treatment, 98.4% of mosquitoes fed on treated dogs were dead by 24 h. Before treatment, third-stage larvae of D. immitis were recovered from 15.5% of Ae. aegypti 2 weeks after feeding, and 72.4% were positive for D. immitis by PCR. Similarly, 17.7% of mosquitoes fed on non-treated dogs had D. immitis third-stage larvae 2 weeks after feeding, and 88.2% were positive by PCR. Five mosquitoes fed on fluralaner-treated dogs survived 2 weeks post-feeding, and 4/5 were from day 84. None had third-stage larvae at dissection, and all were PCR-negative. CONCLUSION The data indicate that fluralaner treatment of dogs kills mosquitoes and thus would be expected to reduce transmission of heartworm in the surrounding community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Duncan
- Merck Animal Health, Rahway, NJ, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | | | - Susan E Little
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Kellee D Sundstrom
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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Rust MK. Recent Advancements in the Control of Cat Fleas. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11100668. [PMID: 33003488 PMCID: PMC7600267 DOI: 10.3390/insects11100668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis is the most important pest of domesticated cats and dogs worldwide. This review covers the recent advancements in the control of cat fleas. Over the years, there has been an interest in using ecologically friendly approaches to control fleas. To date, no biological, natural, or cultural means have been discovered that mitigate flea infestations. The recent registration of novel topical and oral therapies promises a new revolution in the control of fleas and ticks and the diseases associated with them. Abstract With the advent of imidacloprid and fipronil spot-on treatments and the oral ingestion of lufenuron, the strategies and methods to control cat fleas dramatically changed during the last 25 years. New innovations and new chemistries have highlighted this progress. Control strategies are no longer based on the tripartite approach of treating the pet, the indoor environment, and outdoors. The ability of modern therapies to break the cat flea life cycle and prevent reproduction has allowed for the stand-alone treatments that are applied or given to the pet. In doing so, we have not only controlled the cat flea, but we have prevented or reduced the impact of many of the diseases associated with ectoparasites and endoparasites of cats and dogs. This review provides an update of newer and non-conventional approaches to control cat fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Rust
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Fisara P, Guerino F, Sun F. Efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto ® Plus) in cats following repeated experimental challenge with a field isolate of Ctenocephalides felis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:259. [PMID: 31122282 PMCID: PMC6533700 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A spot-on formulation of fluralaner plus moxidectin has been designed to provide long-term protection against fleas and ticks, prevent heartworm disease and treat gastrointestinal nematode infections in cats. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of this product against fleas collected from a household with repeated fipronil failures following owner-administered treatments. METHODS Thirty cats were randomized to three equal groups: (A) untreated controls; (B) to receive a single application of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus) at 40 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg body weight, respectively; and (C) three applications at one month intervals with a spot-on formulation of fipronil and (S)-methoprene (Frontline® Plus) at 0.5 ml manufacturer recommended dose. Flea challenges were completed on Days -6 (for randomization), -1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 77, 84 and 91. Flea counts were completed 48 hours after initial treatment and 48 hours following each subsequent challenge. RESULTS Fleas were found on all control and all fipronil and (S)-methoprene treated cats at every assessment. From Day 2 to Day 93, all cats in the fluralaner plus moxidectin group were flea-free, with one exception (Day 58; three fleas counted on one cat); control group flea counts ranged between 34-109, and fipronil and (S)-methoprene group counts ranged between 1-79. At each assessment after Day 0, compared to the control group, geometric mean flea counts were significantly lower in the fipronil and (S)-methoprene group (P ≤ 0.04) and in the fluralaner plus moxidectin group (P < 0.001), and mean flea counts in the fluralaner plus moxidectin group were significantly lower than those of the fipronil and (S)-methoprene group (P < 0.001). The efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin, based on geometric means, was 100% at each assessment post-Day 0 except on Day 58 when efficacy was 99.7%. In the fipronil and (S)-methoprene group efficacy ranged between 30.6-65.6%. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate complete efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin against a flea isolate that was not controlled by fipronil and (S)-methoprene. This study provides confirmation of the consistent, sustained efficacy of topically applied fluralaner in the treatment and control of flea infestations in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Fisara
- MSD Animal Health Australia Ltd., 26 Artisan Road, Seven Hills, NSW 2147 Australia
| | - Frank Guerino
- Merck Animal Health, 2 Giralda Farms, Madison, NJ 07940 USA
| | - Fangshi Sun
- Merck Animal Health, 2 Giralda Farms, Madison, NJ 07940 USA
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Rohdich N, Zschiesche E, Wolf O, Loehlein W, Pobel T, Gil MJ, Roepke RKA. Field effectiveness and safety of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus) against ticks and fleas: a European randomized, blinded, multicenter field study in naturally-infested client-owned cats. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:598. [PMID: 30454052 PMCID: PMC6240940 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3175-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A spot-on formulation containing fluralaner (280 mg/ml) plus moxidectin (14 mg/ml) (Bravecto® Plus) has been developed to provide broad spectrum parasite protection for cats. The effectiveness and safety of this product against ticks and fleas was assessed in a randomized, controlled, 12-week study in client-owned cats in Germany and Spain. METHODS Eligible households containing at least one cat with at least two fleas and/or two ticks were allocated randomly in a 2:1 ratio to a single treatment with fluralaner plus moxidectin on Day 0, or three 4-weekly treatments with fipronil (Frontline®). Veterinary staff, masked to treatment, completed tick and flea counts on each cat at 14 ± 2 (2 weeks), 28 ± 2 (4 weeks), 56 ± 2 (8 weeks) and 84 ± 2 days (12 weeks) after the initial treatment. RESULTS In total, 707 cats (257 with ticks) from 332 households (236 with fleas) were included. Ixodes ricinus (78%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex (18%) ticks were the most commonly identified. Tick and flea counts were lower in the fluralaner plus moxidectin group than in the fipronil group throughout the study and the efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin exceeded 97 and 98%, respectively. At 12 weeks, 94.1 and 93.3% of cats from the fluralaner plus moxidectin and 92.2 and 60.3% of cats from the fipronil group were free of ticks and fleas, respectively. Fluralaner plus moxidectin was non-inferior to fipronil (P < 0.0001) at all assessments and superior to fipronil at 2 and 8 weeks for the proportion of cats free of ticks (P < 0.0001). Fluralaner plus moxidectin was superior to fipronil for the proportion of both households and cats free of fleas (P < 0.0001). Both products were safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS A single application of fluralaner plus moxidectin spot-on was well tolerated by cats and highly effective for 12 weeks against ticks and fleas. Fluralaner plus moxidectin was non-inferior to fipronil for the proportion of ectoparasite-free and consistently superior to fipronil in controlling fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Rohdich
- MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Zur Propstei, 55270 Schwabenheim, Germany
| | - Eva Zschiesche
- MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Zur Propstei, 55270 Schwabenheim, Germany
| | - Oliver Wolf
- Loehlein & Wolf Vet Research, Maistrasse 69, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Thierry Pobel
- TPC Biomed, C/Los Betetas 12-4°D, 42002 Soria, Spain
| | | | - Rainer K. A. Roepke
- MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Zur Propstei, 55270 Schwabenheim, Germany
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Gopinath D, Meyer L, Smith J, Armstrong R. Topical or oral fluralaner efficacy against flea (Ctenocephalides felis) transmission of Dipylidium caninum infection to dogs. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:557. [PMID: 30359284 PMCID: PMC6202868 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3140-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dipylidium caninum is a common tapeworm of dogs contracted from ingestion of fleas containing the infective cysticercoid stage. Fluralaner is a systemically distributed isoxazoline class insecticide that delivers highly effective activity against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks after a single oral or topical treatment. This study evaluated the impact of this flea insecticidal efficacy on the transmission of D. caninum to dogs. Methods Dogs were weighed and treated with a cestocide and then randomly assigned to 3 groups of 8. Fluralaner was administered topically (at the commercial dose) to one group and orally to another group while the third received topically administered sterile water. All dogs were subsequently infested with about 100 D. caninum infected Ctenocephalides felis at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77 and 83 days after treatment. Visual proglottid inspections and counts were conducted daily from 35 to 113 days post-treatment. Post-treatment D. caninum incidence was calculated for each group and compared between treated and untreated groups. Results All 8 dogs in the placebo-treated group became infected with D. caninum while no shed proglottids were observed at any point during the post-treatment period from any dog in either fluralaner treated group. Conclusions The insecticidal efficacy of a single treatment of either orally or topically administered fluralaner prevented D. caninum transmission from infected fleas to susceptible dogs for up to 12 weeks following administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Gopinath
- MSD Animal Health, 26 Talavera Rd, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Leon Meyer
- Clinvet International, Uitzich Road, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, 9338, South Africa
| | - Jehane Smith
- Clinvet International, Uitzich Road, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein, 9338, South Africa
| | - Rob Armstrong
- Merck Animal Health, 2 Giralda Farms, Madison, NJ, 07940, USA.
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Meadows C, Guerino F, Sun F. A randomized, blinded, controlled USA field study to assess the use of fluralaner topical solution in controlling feline flea infestations. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:37. [PMID: 28103942 PMCID: PMC5248512 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1972-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fleas are a common ectoparasite of domestic cats and there is a need for novel treatments that improve feline flea control. Methods This investigator-blinded, multi-center randomized, positive-controlled study evaluated the flea control in cats provided by a single owner-applied treatment with a fluralaner topical formulation compared with a positive control. Households with up to five healthy cats, all at least 12 weeks of age and weighing at least 1.2 kg (2.6 lb), were randomized in an approximate 3:1 ratio of fluralaner to positive control. All cats in households randomized to the positive control group were dispensed three treatments, at 4-week intervals, of a commercial formulation of fipronil/(S)-methoprene. All cats in households randomized to the fluralaner group were dispensed an initial treatment at enrollment and a second treatment at week 12 for an additional 3-week observation of treatment safety. One primary cat with at least five live fleas at enrollment was randomly selected within each household. Flea counts were performed on all primary cats at 4-week intervals through week 12. Efficacy measurement was based on reduction in flea counts from baseline. Treatment was considered effective at weeks 4, 8 and 12 if mean live flea count reductions were 90% or greater and statistically significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from counts at enrollment. Results In 18 investigational veterinary clinics across 11 USA states, 116 households (224 cats) were randomized to receive topical fluralaner and 45 households (87 cats) were randomized to the fipronil-methoprene combination. Fluralaner was demonstrated to be effective at 4 weeks (99.1% flea count reduction), 8 weeks (99.5%), and 12 weeks (99.0%), and all reductions were significantly different from the enrollment count (all P < 0.0001). The fipronil-methoprene combination was < 90% effective at each post-treatment assessment, with peak efficacy of 75.4% at 12 weeks (all P < 0.0001). No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported in either group. Conclusions Owner-applied fluralaner topical treatment was safe in cats and was highly effective in killing fleas over the subsequent 12 weeks.
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