Merck Animal Health Presents New Data Demonstrating the Safety, Efficacy and Quick Onset of Injectable Formulation of BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) at World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress
Additional educational symposia offer the latest information on vector-borne diseases, infectious diseases and treatment and prevention protocols
Rahway, NJ, September 26, 2025 – 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 it will present multiple studies in support of the injectable formula of BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) at the 2025 World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress (WSAVA) in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
“At WSAVA, the latest data we are sharing underscores our dedication to advancing companion animal research as we create innovative treatments to enhance parasite protection and canine care,” stated Cathy Martin, executive director, Global Companion Animal Pharmaceuticals Lead, Global, Merck Animal Health. “Through our research and development efforts, Merck Animal Health is leading the way in innovation and delivering meaningful benefits to pets and their caregivers.”
The injectable formulation of BRAVECTO was first approved in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, followed by the European Union (EU) in 2024 and in the U.S. in 2025. In total, it is currently approved in more than 50 countries worldwide. It is known by the brand names BRAVECTO® QUANTUM, BRAVECTO® injectable, and BRAVECTO® 365.
Key BRAVECTO® data at WASAVA:
One study, “One-Year Study on the Efficacy of BRAVECTO 365 Against Fleas and Rhipicephalus sanguineus Ticks on Dogs,” demonstrated that a single subcutaneous dose of BRAVECTO 365 provides over 97% efficacy against Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and Ctenocephalides felis fleas in dogs for a full 365 days. The study involved repeated parasite challenges and regular assessments, confirming sustained protection without any treatment-related adverse effects. These results highlight BRAVECTO 365 as a highly effective, long-lasting solution for year-round flea and tick control in dogs.
Another study, “Onset of Efficacy of BRAVECTO 365 in Controlling Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs,” demonstrated that BRAVECTO 365 begins effectively controlling Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs within 72 hours of a single subcutaneous dose. The treatment achieved 54.9% efficacy at 48 hours and increased to 95.4% efficacy at 72 hours post-treatment, with no adverse effects observed. These findings highlight BRAVECTO 365’s onset of action against the brown dog tick, a key parasite and disease vector, supporting its use for tick control in dogs.
Key Symposia:
Puppy Vaccination: The Critical Role of Using the Right Vaccine at the Right Time
September 25:12:45-13:45
Presenters: Mary Marcondes, MSc, PhD; Melissa Bourgeois, DVM, PhD, DACVM
This session will emphasize the vital role of timely and tailored vaccination in promoting canine health, focusing on early immunization, individualized vaccine protocols, and overcoming challenges such as maternal antibody interference. Attendees will explore strategies to optimize vaccine efficacy and compliance throughout a dog’s life by considering lifestyle, health status, and environmental risks, alongside recent WSAVA guideline updates. The session will also cover current trends in major canine diseases like canine parvovirus and canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), and review advanced vaccine technologies that enhance protection during critical socialization periods. This session will equip participants with practical knowledge to implement personalized vaccination plans for lifelong canine wellness.
Vector-borne diseases: A World in Constant Transformation Requires a New Preventive Approach from the Veterinarian
September 26: 12:45-13:45
Presenters: Filipe Dantas Torres, MV, MSc, DSc, PhD, Dip EVPC; Melissa Bourgeois, DVM, PhD, DACVM
This session offers a comprehensive overview of the necessity for year-round ectoparasite protection in pets, driven by close human-pet contact and environmental changes like climate shifts and parasite spread. It covers health risks from ectoparasites, including vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, and guides on when continuous protection is needed based on lifestyle and environment. Participants will learn to differentiate ectoparasite control in pets versus livestock, update outdated views with current science on drug safety, resistance, and environmental impact, and review the latest management guidelines. The session also addresses practical challenges in parasite control and highlights veterinarians’ key role in One Health efforts integrating human, animal, and environmental health. Finally, the session will introduce the BRAVECTO family of products, showcasing their ability to provide reliable, year-round protection against fleas and ticks, supporting optimal pet health and wellbeing.
Important Safety Information
BRAVECTO QUANTUM: indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) and for the treatment and control of tick infestations [Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)] for 12 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is also indicated for the treatment and control of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) infestations for 8 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions in a US field study included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes and pruritus. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 months of dosing. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The safety of BRAVECTO QUANTUM has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs. In some cases, adverse events have been reported following use of BRAVECTO (fluralaner) Chews in breeding females. For use in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older.
BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews: indicated for dogs 8 weeks of age and older. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include itching, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, elevated ALT, lethargy, and weight loss. BRAVECTO 1-MONTH is not effective against A. americanum in puppies less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, anorexia and pruritus. In some cases, adverse events have been reported following use in breeding females.
BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and moist dermatitis/rash.
BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and scabs/ulcerated lesions. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats is not effective against American dog ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. BRAVECTO PLUS Topical Solution for Cats: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, itching, diarrhea, lethargy, dry skin, elevated ALT, and hypersalivation. BRAVECTO PLUS has not been shown to be effective for 2 months in kittens less than 6 months of age. Use with caution in cats that are heartworm positive. The effectiveness of BRAVECTO PLUS to prevent heartworm disease after bathing or water immersion has not been evaluated.
BRAVECTO has not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks’ duration in puppies or kittens less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO Chews and Topical Solution for dogs is not effective against the lone star tick beyond 8 weeks of dosing. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs and Cats and BRAVECTO PLUS for cats are for topical use only. Avoid oral ingestion.
The safety of BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats and BRAVECTO PLUS has not been established in breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats. All BRAVECTO products contain fluralaner, which is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Neurologic adverse reactions have been reported in cats receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in cats without a history of neurologic disorders. Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders.
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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