The efficacy of formulations of triclabendazole and ivermectin in combination against liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) and gastro-intestinal nematodes in cattle and sheep and sucking lice species in cattle.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of two formulations of triclabendazole and ivermectin in combination against liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica), gastro-intestinal nematodes and sucking louse species in cattle and sheep.


METHODS
A study of 540 cattle and 428 sheep at 18 sites throughout Victoria and New South Wales was undertaken. At each site, one group of cattle or sheep was treated with a combined formulation (Fasimec Cattle or Fasimec Sheep), another received ivermectin and triclabendazole separately. In trials on lice infestation, an additional group remained untreated. Samples for faecal egg counts were collected on days -7, 0 (treatment day), +7, +14 and +21 after treatment. Lice assessments were carried out on days -7, 0, +7, +14, +28, +42 and +56.


RESULTS
Both treatments were highly efficacious (> 98% efficacy) against liver fluke in cattle and sheep, against three sucking lice species of cattle and against gastro-intestinal nematodes in sheep. There was also no significant difference between treatments in efficacy. Against gastro-intestinal nematodes, Fasimec Cattle was significantly (P < 0.01) more effective than the separately applied ivermectin and triclabendazole treatment. Mean efficacy for the Fasimec Cattle and Ivomec/Fasinex 120 groups respectively, was 97.6% and 94.2% on Day +7, 98.9% and 91% on Day +14 and 98.5% and 92.6% on Day +21.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of Fasimec' Cattle and Fasimec Sheep was at least equal to that of currently registered products (with the same active ingredients) used to control these parasites.
Stevenson
C R
CR
Novartis Animal Health Australasia Pty Ltd, Yarrandoo R & D Centre, 245 Western Road, Kemps Creek, New South Wales 2171.
Mahoney
R H
RH
Fisara
P
P
Strehlau
G
G
Reichel
M P
MP
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005210:Fasciola hepatica / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009348:Nematoda / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D008003:Phthiraptera / Q000187:drug effects; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077682:Triclabendazole
D000871:Anthelmintics; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D007306:Insecticides; D000077682:Triclabendazole; D007559:Ivermectin