Field efficacy of a 10 per cent pyriproxyfen spot-on for the prevention of flea infestations on cats.
The clinical application of a new method for using the insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen, for controlling flea populations in cat-owning homes is evaluated for the first time. In a multicentric, controlled and randomised trial, 107 flea-infested cats were treated with a minimum dose of 10 mg/kg bodyweight pyriproxyfen as a 10 per cent spot-on application on two occasions, with a three-month interval between doses. For comparison, 99 cats received lufenuron suspension orally, once a month, for six months. Flea counts decreased significantly over time in each group and were significantly lower in the pyriproxyfen group than in cats treated with the reference product. The percentage of 'zero-flea' cats increased from 49 per cent on day 30 to 88 per cent on day 180 in the pyriproxyfen group and from 30 to 71 per cent in the lufenuron group at the same time points (P<0.05). Appropriately timed topical applications of pyriproxyfen, therefore, offer a method of flea control in the domestic environment.
Maynard
L
L
Research and Development and Medical Direction, VIRBAC SA, Carros, France.
Houffschmitt
P
P
Lebreux
B
B
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001549:Benzamides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D005858:Germany; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005423:Siphonaptera; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005466:Fluorocarbons
D001549:Benzamides; D007306:Insecticides; D011725:Pyridines; C070364:fluphenacur; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C055613:pyriproxyfen