Orally Administered BRAVECTO® (Fluralaner) 12-Week Chew Eliminated 100 Percent of Brown Dog Ticks from Infested Kennels Housing Treated Dogs in Recently Published Study
BRAVECTO eliminated kennel infestations of brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato)
External imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treatments failed to eliminate all ticks from kennels
RAHWAY, N.J., March 15, 2024 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the publication of a recent study demonstrating the efficacy of BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) as compared to external imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treatments. In the study,brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) were eliminated in all kennels housing dogs treated with BRAVECTO. At no time were the kennels housing dogs treated with external imidacloprid/flumethrin collars tick-free, and near the end of the study tick counts in those kennels began to climb.
The study, “Efficacy of either orally administered fluralaner or topically administered imidacloprid/flumethrin for controlling Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato premises infestations” is available at Parasites & Vectors.
“It’s important to kill ticks as effectively as possible given that the longer a tick is able to feed uninterrupted, the greater the risk of a dog being infected with a tick-borne pathogen,” said Jason Drake, DVM, DACVM-Parasitology, director, scientific marketing affairs – parasiticides, global companion animal business unit, Merck Animal Health. “This research allows veterinarians to make informed decisions when recommending tick control practices. In addition, it helps pet owners understand the importance of choosing a product that provides complete and long-lasting protection against newly acquired ticks.”
In the study, 32 dogs were divided into three groups, one group with dogs receiving oral fluralaner (25–56 mg/kg), one group with dogs wearing flumethrin/imidacloprid impregnated collars, and a control group receiving no treatment. Treatments were administered once on day 0. Starting 12 weeks prior to treatment, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato infestations were established in kennels holding dogs, by placing ticks in the kennels every 2 weeks from day -84 through day -14
Key Findings:
- A single BRAVECTO treatment reduced tick counts in the infested kennels housing treated dogs to zero (100% reduction) by day 70, and these kennels remained tick free through study completion (day 84).
- Imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treatment reduced tick counts in kennels by 90% on day 63, but kennel tick counts began to climb after this time point, resulting in a final reduction of 75% at the end of the study.
- Engorged (blood fed) ticks continued to be found in kennels housing imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treated dogs throughout the study period.
- Systemic fluralaner treatment was significantly (P = 0.003) more effective at reducing engorged adult female tick counts than imidacloprid/flumethrin collars
The Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu latospecies, sometimes referred to as the brown dog tick, causes significant concern in certain regions of the world as the vector of disease-causing pathogens, such as Ehrlichia canis (causing canine ehrlichiosis), Anaplasma platys (causing infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia), and various species of Babesia (which can cause babesiosis).i
Previous studies have shown that treatments that protect for a longer period can contribute to improved adherence to treatment recommendations. Long-term treatment not only helps ensure adequate protection against the various flea and tick species throughout the world but also simplifies the process for both pet owners and veterinarians.
To learn more about BRAVECTO and for safety information, visit: https://us.bravecto.com/
About BRAVECTO® (fluralaner)
Since its introduction in 2014, BRAVECTO has provided longer-lasting flea and tick protection, with more than 300 million doses distributed in more than 100 countries. BRAVECTO is available in a variety of formulations, including products for both dogs and cats.
Providing pets with continuous flea and tick protection is essential – whether the pet goes outside or not. Contrary to popular belief among pet parents, fleas and ticks are not only active in the spring and summer months, but they are a year-round risk.
Fleas and ticks can easily infest dogs and cats. Ticks can spread serious diseases including rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and borreliosis (Lyme disease), while fleas are the most common external parasite found on pets and can transmit bartonellosis (Cat Scratch disease) and tapeworms.
About Merck Animal Health
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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Source
i Dantas-Torres, F. (2010). Biology and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Parasites & Vectors, 3(1), 26.