Efficacy of a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin (Seresto®) in slow release collars to control ticks and fleas in highly infested dog communities

Abstract

BackgroundDog communities living in kennels are at high risk of being infected by ticks and fleas. In spite of the indubitable efficacy of several topical ectoparasiticides registered for the control of ectoparasites in dogs, the short period of action and the price of these products limit their use in dog communities. This paper reports on the efficacy of imidacloprid/flumethrin slow release collars to cure dogs highly infested with ectoparasites and to prevent infestations for 8 months in a refuge with a history of unsuccessful environmental treatments.MethodsA total of 82 dogs were collared with slow release collars containing a formulation of imidacloprid 10% / flumethrin 4.5%. Dogs were followed-up for ectoparasite presence after 2, 7 and 14 days and thereafter biweekly up to 90 days. Furthermore, dogs were examined for ectoparasites whilst replacing collars 8 months after their application.ResultsAt the time of treatment 79 (96.3%) out of 82 included dogs were heavily infested by ticks and 53 (68.8%) out of the 77 combed dogs were infested by fleas. Tick infested dogs had an estimated mean intensity of 46.9 (± 65.7), while flea infested animals had a load between 20 and 50 fleas. In addition, some of the flea infested dogs (18.9%) were presenting signs of flea allergic dermatitis (FAD). Two days after treatment, 49 (60.5%) and 9 (11.7%) dogs were still infested by live ticks and fleas, respectively. However, the mean intensity of ticks decreased to 3.5 (± 4.3) with a reduction of 92.5%. Except for sporadic cases, no attached ectoparasites were found on dogs from the day 14 visit until the end of the investigation. Cases of FAD resolved without any other treatment within 30 days.ConclusionsTicks and fleas represent a constant hazard for dog populations. Therefore, in particular settings, such as dog refuges, sustainable and long-term strategies to control ectoparasite infestations are needed. Based on the observed evidence of efficacy, long-term duration and safety, the imidacloprid/flumethrin slow release collars can be regarded as an efficacious and sustainable means for ectoparasite control and for treatment of FAD in high-risk dog communities.

Acaricidal efficacy of a new combination of fipronil and permethrin against Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks

“…Fipronil is one of the most widely used insecticides/acaricides to control fleas and ticks on both dogs and cats [ 13 ]. Pyrethroids have also been used as insecticides and acaricides with repellent activity on dogs [ 14 - 18 ], production animals [ 19 ] and humans [ 20 , 21 ]. Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect® is a novel combination of 6.76% w/v fipronil and 50.48% w/v permethrin that has been developed as a monthly topical solution for dogs to provide broad spectrum ectoparasite control.…”

Efficacy of an imidacloprid/flumethrin collar against fleas, ticks and tick-borne pathogens in dogs

“…This product contains both repellent and insecticidal properties and has proven effective against fleas, ticks, mites and lice [11-15]. The imidacloprid/flumethrin collar was highly efficacious in curing animals living in communities highly infested with ticks and fleas and to prevent reinfestations for up to 8 months in a refuge with a history of unsuccessful environmental tick control [16]. …”

Canine flea control: too much choice?

“…Although they offer good long term control of fleas they are more commonly used as repellents to reduce sandfly feeding as a preventative for leishmaniasis (Brianti et al, 2016). Several papers have outlined the efficacy of a flumethrin/imidocloprid collar against fleas (Stanneck et al, 2012a;2012b;Brianti et al, 2013). Permethrin combined with either fipronil or with dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen (DPP described under NARAs) as a spot on have been shown to be effective as a flea control products and possess a rapid SOK.…”