Evaluation of the Fasciolicidal/Nematicidal Efficacy of an Intramuscular Combination of Clorsulon/Levamisole in Naturally Infected Dairy Cattle

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the fasciolicidal and nematicidal efficacy of a new combination of clorsulon/levamisole, which was formulated for intramuscular administration, in dairy cattle. For the study, sixteen Holstein-Freisian dairy cows were selected for inclusion in the trial based on finding Fasciola hepatica eggs or gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in the feces. Ten of these cows were naturally infected with F. hepatica, and 6 were naturally infected with GIN. On Day 0 (zero), all animals were treated with a combination of clorsulon (2.5 mg/kg/IM and levamisole (2.5 mg/kg/IM) administered at the dose recommended by the manufacturer (1 ml/20kg/bw). Subsequently, their feces were analyzed on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 post treatments by the Flukefinder sedimentation method and McMaster technique to determine the percentages of egg reduction in the animals, with reference to the egg load count on day 0. The results obtained in the current work indicated an efficacy of 100% that was determined by the percentage reduction of eggs of F. hepatica and/or GIN. This new fasciolicide/nematicide formulation exerted a remarkable effect and can be considered a new alternative to control F. hepatica and gastrointestinal worms in dairy cattle.