A field trial of a fixed combination of permethrin and fipronil (Effitix®) for the treatment and prevention of flea infestation in dogs living with sheep

Abstract

BackgroundA large number of fleas parasitize dogs living with sheep in Greece. The primary aim of this randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial was to examine the efficacy of a permethrin-fipronil combination (Effitix®) for the treatment and prevention of flea infestation in dogs living with sheep and the secondary aim was to examine the efficacy of this intervention on flea infestation, pruritus and skin lesions of the people in contact with these dogs.MethodsThirty dogs living with sheep and infested by at least 10 fleas and all 80 sheep living on the same premises were randomly allocated into equal groups. Group A dogs were treated three times, every 4 weeks, with a spot-on containing 54.5% permethrin and 6.1% fipronil, group A sheep were treated, on the same days, with a pour-on containing 1% deltamethrin, whereas group B dogs were sham-treated and group B sheep were placebo-treated. Flea counting was performed at the beginning of the trial (day 0) and after 14, 28, 56 and 84 days and the first five fleas from each animal were used for species identification. At the same time points, flea infestation, pruritus and skin lesions of the people in contact with the dogs were assessed.ResultsThe percentage of dogs with zero flea counts was significantly higher in group A than in group B on days 14, 28, 56 and 84 and flea counts were significantly lower in group A dogs than in group B dogs at the same time points. The percent efficacy of the permethrin-fipronil combination was higher than 78% (arithmetic means) or than 96% (geometric means) throughout the study. No adverse reactions were recorded. Between the two flea species found on dogs, Ctenocephalides canis was predominant over C. felis. Flea-infected sheep were not found at the beginning or during the study and no significant changes in flea infestation, pruritus and skin lesions of the people in contact with the dogs were witnessed throughout the study.ConclusionsA spot-on solution containing 54.5% permethrin and 6.1% fipronil is safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of C. canis and C. felis infestations in dogs living with sheep.

The Biology and Ecology of Cat Fleas and Advancements in Their Pest Management: A Review

“…The highest infestation rates were from June to October [ 79 ]. In Greece, 13.7% of fleas collected from dogs were C. felis , the remaining being C. canis [ 80 ]. A survey in southern Italy found C. felis on 16.3% of the 1376 dogs examined [ 81 ].…”

“…Monthly applications of a spot-on fipronil/permethrin combinations provided >96% mortality of C. felis and canis for 84 days [ 80 ].…”

Treatment of Harvest Mite Infestation in Dogs Using a Permethrin 54.5% and Fipronil 6.1% (Effitix®) Topical Spot-On Formulation

“…The product is licensed in dogs to be used against infestations with fleas and/or ticks and when repellent activity is also necessary against sand-flies and/or mosquitoes. The product has a persistent insecticidal/acaricidal efficacy for up to 4 weeks against fleas [15], ticks [16,17], sandflies [18], and mosquitoes [19]. Very recently, the product was successfully evaluated on adult triatomines (Rhodnius prolixus) in dogs [20].…”

Comparative Efficacy of Three Commercial Ectoparasiticides against Fleas in Naturally Infested Dogs

“…The efficacy of topical products that control insect infestations in dogs has been previously demonstrated, for example, the combination of permethrin and fipronil showed a significant acaricidal and insecticidal repellent effect against bites on dogs [3] [4]. This combination has also been proved as safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of Ctenocephalides canis and C. felis [5]. Nonetheless, pyrethroid resistance has been reported due to a single nucleotide substitution in the Vssc gene that encodes the voltage-sensitive sodium channel protein and involves sensitivity to pyrethroids; hence pre-exposure to a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase inhibitor such as piperonyl butoxide, significantly increases the effect of pyrethroids [6].…”