Abstract
BackgroundHaemaphysalis longicornis ticks represent an ectoparasitic health threat to dogs. This study evaluated the immediate and persistent efficacy of orally administered fluralaner for control of this tick.MethodsTwenty-four dogs were sorted into 4 groups based on their tick carrying capacity measured in a preliminary challenge. Two days before treatment, dogs were challenged with Haemaphysalis longicornis and then at the time of treatment dogs received with oral fluralaner at 10, 25 or 50 mg/kg respectively to 3 of the groups, while the remaining group was sham treated. Ticks were counted and categorized on all dogs 2 days after treatment (4 days after challenge). Tick challenges were repeated at 28, 56, 84 and 112 days following treatment with tick counts 48 hours following each challenge. Tick control efficacy was evaluated by comparing the mean (geometric) total live attached and dead engorged ticks on each fluralaner treated group with the sham treated dogs.ResultsOral fluralaner is highly acaricidal for H. longicornis that feed on treated dogs. The mean efficacy rate in dogs treated with fluralaner at the commercial dose range of 25 to 50 mg/kg was greater than 90% at 114 days after treatment, whereas efficacy at this time in dogs treated at 10 mg/kg was 79%.ConclusionsFluralaner administered orally to dogs within the commercial dose range at 25 to 50 mg/kg is effective for up to 114 days against laboratory challenge with H. longicornis ticks.
Highlights
Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks represent an ectoparasitic health threat to dogs
The hypothesis tested in this study is that oral fluralaner administration to dogs will deliver persistent efficacy against H. longicornis infestation
A single oral fluralaner treatment administered to dogs at 25–50 mg/kg is an effective systemic acaricide against H. longicornis for up to 114 days following treatment
Summary
Parthenogenetic H. longicornis ticks (Okayama strain) were cultured on rabbits for use in this blinded and Toyota et al Parasites & Vectors (2019) 12:43 negative controlled study. The dogs were ranked within their sex group according to descending tick carrying rate in an initial challenge conducted 7 days before treatment administration with tick counts 48 hours later. Study personnel conducting veterinary examinations, general observations, tick infestations and tick counting were blinded to the treatment status. Tick infestation challenges [10] were conducted on all groups 2 days before the treatment day, and 28, 56, 84 and 112 days following treatment administration. The number of sites was selected to give each tick enough space to achieve high infestation rates, and ticks were held at the site in a perforated plastic Petri dish (60 × 15 mm) that was attached to the selected site on the dog with medical adhesive. The bandage and tape were removed from the sedated dogs and the tick retaining apparatus lid was opened. Treatment at each time point was declared to be effective when the calculated efficacy exceeded 90%
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