The use of moxidectin for the prevention and treatment of psoroptic mange (scab) in sheep.
The introduction of systemic injectable products, belonging to the avermectin/milbemycin class of antiparasitic compounds, has provided an alternative to dips for sheep scab control. Their main advantages are that they are quicker and safer to use, cause less stress to the sheep (hence can be used in heavily pregnant ewes), do not require any special handling facilities for their use and do not present the same environmental concerns over disposal of spent product. Moxidectin, a second generation milbemycin, has recently been registered as an injectable product for the prevention and treatment of sheep scab. Laboratory and field studies carried out in the UK and Ireland have shown that two injections at a dose rate of 200 mg/kg bwt., 10 days apart, are 100% effective in the treatment of scab. Further studies have shown that a single injection at the same dose rate will protect against infestation or reinfestation for a period of at least 28 days. This long persistent activity has been evaluated in two large-scale field prophylactic trials, one in Ireland and one in the UK, involving over 16,000 sheep, in which it was demonstrated that a single injection of moxidectin is a safe and effective alternative to dips for routine prevention of scab.
Parker
L D
LD
Fort Dodge Animal Health Limited, Southampton, UK.
O'Brien
D J
DJ
Bates
P G
PG
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000662:veterinary; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007494:Ireland; D018942:Macrolides; D008297:Male; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D008925:Mites / Q000187:drug effects*; D010755:Organophosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006113:United Kingdom
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D007306:Insecticides; D018942:Macrolides; D010755:Organophosphates; D011722:Pyrethrins; C027837:moxidectin