Infestation In Cats Research Articles

Доклиническая оценка безопасности нового лекарственного препарата для собак и кошек Supramil® эмульсия

This article presents the results of a toxicological evaluation of a new drug for veterinary use, Supramil® emulsion based on R-praziquantel and milbemycin oxime. The drug is intended for the treatment of intestinal nematodes and cestodes, mixed infestations in cats and dogs, as well as for the prevention of dirofilariasis. A single intragastric administration of the drug in doses of a toxic level for rats and mice did not cause toxicosis or death in laboratory animals, on the basis of which the average lethal dose (LD50) for the drug Supramil® emulsion could not be determined. As a result of the assessment of subchronic oral toxicity, it was established that the tested doses of the drug when administered daily to white outbred rats for 14 days are ineffective. An assessment of the ability of the drug, when introduced into the body, to cause a state of hypersensitivity did not reveal an allergenic effect. Thus, the results of this study allow us to conclude that the Supramil® emulsion does not have toxic or allergenic properties and is well tolerated by laboratory animals.

Survey of flea infestation in cats and dogs in Western Andalusia, Spain: Seasonality and other risk factors for flea infestation.

This epidemiological survey aims to provide an update on the main flea species that parasitize domestic animals in the Western Andalusia assessing several ecological features that could be considered as possible risk factors for flea infestation. Over a 19-month period (June 2021 to January 2023), we obtained a total of 802 flea samples from 182 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Carnivora: Canidae, Linnaeus, 1758) and 78 cats (Felis silvestris catus, Carnivora: Felidae, Schreber, 1775). For each parasitized host, an epidemiological survey was completed, including the following information: geographical origin, age, sex, rural or urban habitat, type of animal's lifestyle (domestic or non-domestic), health status, cohabiting or not with other animals and the total number of collected fleas. The most common species was Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché, 1835) with a total of 713 specimens, which accounted for 89% of the total fleas. The second most abundant species was Pulex irritans (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) with a total of 46 collected fleas (6% of the total). The remaining species identified were Archaeopsylla erinacei (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché, 1835) (25 specimens), Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Dale, 1878) (12 specimens) and Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Curtis, 1826) (6 specimens), which accounted for 3%, 1% and 1%, respectively, of the total fleas collected. The months with the highest number of collected fleas were, in ascending order, May 2022, September 2021 and July 2021. Dogs had a greater diversity of flea species, and flea sex ratios were female biased in all identified species and among all studied hosts. Finally, we identified some potential host risk factors that promoted higher flea intensities, such as living in rural areas, or presenting other pathologies.

Efficacy of a topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against Amblyomma maculatum infestations in cats.

Amblyomma maculatum, the Gulf Coast tick, infests a wide range of vertebrate species including livestock, dogs, cats, and humans. It is a species of significant veterinary and public health importance, especially as a vector of diseases, for instance American canine hepatozoonosis or tidewater spotted fever. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of NexGard® Combo, a topical endectoparasiticide product for cats combining eprinomectin, praziquantel and esafoxolaner, against induced infestations of A. maculatum in cats. This Good Clinical Practice (GCP) study used a randomized, negative controlled, masked design. Ten cats were allocated to an untreated group and ten to a treated group, dosed once on Day 0 at the minimum label dose. On Days -2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42, cats were infested with ~50 unfed adult A. maculatum. On Days 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, and 45, i.e., 72h after treatment and subsequent infestations, ticks were removed, counted and the numbers of live attached tick in each group were used for efficacy calculations. At each time-point, all untreated cats were adequately infested, demonstrating a vigorous tick population and an adequate study model. The curative efficacy after a single application against existing tick infestation, 72h after treatment, was 98.7%. The preventive efficacy, 72h after weekly infestations, over the following five weeks ranged from 93.8% to 99.4%.

THE PREVALENCE OF INVASIVE DISEASES AMONG CATS IN URALSK

The frequent spread of intestinal worms among carnivorous animals is found in a number of diseases that are dangerous to the human body. Intestinal worming infection rates are high among stray cats and dogs as well as domesticated animals. In the research work, studies were conducted to differentiate intestinal worming in cats brought in from micro-districts of Uralsk, West Kazakhstan region. The results of the studies determined the extent of intestinal worming among cats, their species composition, seasonal dynamics of infections and the level of the age of the disease. The city of Uralsk revealed a widespread of cat helminth infections. (IE- 36.1%). By intestinal helminth infestation, the primary toxocariasis Toxocara mystax) is 19,7%, and by spread toxocariasis (Toxascaris leonina) is 12,4%. The degree of the extensiveness of infestation, depending on the time of the year, was determined; it was found that in summer and autumn, the infestation reaches a high degree of extensiveness. It was found that intestinal worm infestation in cats is associated with age. Toxocariasis is more common in 6-month-old cats. And with age, the incidence of this worming disease decreases significantly. In cats over five years old, this worming disease is sporadic.

Occurrence of mite infestation in cats

Occurrence of mite infestation in cats

Comparative assessment of complex drugs based on moxidectin and praziquantel for cats endoparasitic invasions

The article presents data on the effectiveness of the new domestic antiparasitic drug complex “Moxistop for cats” in comparison to the referenced drug “Vormazol for cats spot-on” used for the treatment and prevention of endoparasitic infestations in cats of different ages, body weights, breeds, and sex. According to the results of parasitological research, animals of the experimental and control groups were found to be spontaneously infected with endoparasites, the causative agents of nematodes: Toxascaris leonina with an intensity of invasion (II) of 110 to 160 eggs in one gram of faeces (EGF) and Uncinaria stenocephala – from 22 to 43 EGF, and the cestode pathogen Taenia pisiformis with the intensity of invasion from 26 to 42 EGF and Dipylidium caninum with the intensity of invasion from 9 to 20 cocoons in one gram of feces (KGF). Before the 7th day and the next seventh–14th day after deworming, helminthocoprological studies were carried out with the definition of parasitological damage indices and determination of the extensive effectiveness (EE) and intensive effectiveness (II) of the drugs. Based on the obtained results, it was found that for spontaneous toxascarose and uncinariasis infestation of cats on the 7th and 14th day after deworming with the drug “Moxistop for cats” and the reference drug “Vormazol for cats spot-on” in doses recommended by the manufacturer, the intensive and extensive effects of the drugs were 100 %. Helminthological studies showed that for spontaneous teniosis-pisiform infestation of cats on the 7th and 14th day after deworming with the experimental drug “Moxistop for cats”, the intensity was 92.2 and 96.8 %, and after deworming with the reference drug “Vormazol for cats spot-on” intensity efficiency was 90.0 and 93.7 %, respectively. It was determined that the intensity of the experimental drug “Moxistop for cats” on the 7th day after deworming was 83.8 % and on the 14th day – 96.0 %, while the intensity of the reference drug “Vormazol for cats spot-on” was on the 7th and 14th day after deworming was 82.9 and 93.3 %, respectively. In general, the results obtained during the therapeutic effectiveness of complex antiparasitic drugs determination indicate that the drugs for nematode infestation of cats can be classified as highly effective (> 98 %) and for cestode infestation of cats – as effective (90–98 %). In vivo field tests have shown that the research drugs are easy to use, well tolerated by animals regardless of age, body weight, breed, and sex, and do not have a toxic effect on the animal's body when they are used by the spot-on method in the recommended by the manufacturer doses.

A Serodiagnostic IgM ELISA to Detect Acute Cytauxzoonosis.

Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne infectious disease affecting domestic cats with high mortality and limited treatment modalities. Because early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are crucial to survival of infected cats, the objective of this study was to develop an ELISA capable of detecting cytauxzoonosis and differentiating acute vs. chronic infection in clinical feline blood samples. A microsphere immunoassay (MIA) was developed to evaluate the production of Cytauxzoon felis-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in serial plasma samples from cats with experimental C. felis infection by targeting a C. felis-specific transmembrane protein (c88). Recombinant c88 protein was utilized to develop indirect ELISAs to detect IgM and IgG antibodies in clinical plasma samples from: PCR-positive cats with acute C. felis infection (n = 36), C. felis-negative cats with pyrexia (n = 10), healthy C. felis-negative cats (n = 22), and chronic C. felis carriers (n = 4). Anti-c88 IgM antibodies were detectable at day 12 post-tick infestation in cats with experimental C. felis infection (within 24 hours of developing clinical signs), while anti-c88 IgG was detectable at day 15 post-tick infestation – indicating IgM could be used to detect early infection. Using a cut-off value of 19.85 percent positive, the C. felis IgM ELISA detected acute cytauxzoonosis in 94.44% (34/36) of cats presented with clinical signs of acute cytauxzoonosis with 100% specificity (indicating a “Strong Positive” result). When a lower cutoff of 8.60 percent positive was used, cytauxzoonosis was detected in the 2 remaining PCR-positive cats with 87.88% specificity (indicating of a “Weak Positive” result). One C. felis-negative, febrile cat had high IgG, and chronic carriers had variable IgM and IgG results. Combined interpretation of IgM and IgG ELISAs did not reliably differentiate acute vs. chronic infection. While further validation on assay performance is needed, the C. felis IgM ELISA is a promising test to detect acute cytauxzoonosis and can be utilized to develop a point-of-care test for clinical use.

Efficacy of a topical product combining esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against bedbug (Cimex lectularius) experimental infestations in cats.

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are a persistent nuisance pest for humans and their home environment, and may also opportunistically feed on other mammals, including household pets like dogs and cats. NexGard® Combo is a topical endectoparasiticide product for cats combining esafoxolaner, an isoxazoline compound with insecticidal and acaricidal properties, the nematocide eprinomectin and the cestocide praziquantel. The insecticidal efficacy of this product was evaluated in cats experimentally infested with C. lectularius in a blinded, negative controlled and randomized study. Two groups of 7 cats were formed: an untreated control group, and a NexGard® Combo group treated once on Day 0at the label dose. Cats were then challenged weekly, each with twenty unfed adult C. lectularius, on Days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. After close contact with the cat's skin for 15min, live fed C. lectularius were collected and incubated for 96h. The weekly efficacy evaluations were based on a comparison of the number of surviving bedbugs in the control and the treated group after 48, 72 and 96h of incubation. The model was demonstrated to be robust as in the control group the average feeding rate after the 15-minute challenge was 94%, and as 96% of incubated bed bugs were alive after 96 hours of incubation. Significant live bedbug reductions were demonstrated in the Nexgard® Combo treated group: after 96h of incubation, the reductions ranged from 80.6 to 88.0% during the Day 1 to Day 21 period, and dropped to 58% at Day 28.

Efficacy of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations in cats.

Esafoxolaner, a purified enantiomer of afoxolaner with insecticidal and acaricidal properties, is combined with eprinomectin and praziquantel, nematodicidal and cestodicidal compounds, in NexGard® Combo, a novel topical endectoparasiticide formulation for cats. The efficacy of this formulation was assessed against Otodectes cynotis in two laboratory studies conducted in South Africa and in the USA with local isolates, and in one field trial conducted in Europe. In each study, cats were randomly allocated to a placebo-treated control group and a novel formulation-treated group. In the laboratory studies, cats were treated at the minimum recommended dose; in the field trial, cats were treated at label dose. All included cats were diagnosed positive for O. cynotis prior to treatment by otoscopy. The main variable of efficacy was a comparison of the number of live O. cynotis collected in both ear canals of all cats in the treated and control groups, one month after treatment. Efficacy of the novel topical formulation exceeded 97% in the three studies. These studies demonstrated the high effectiveness of NexGard® Combo in cats for the treatment of O. cynotis infestations. No health abnormalities were attributed to the treatment in any of the studies.

Safety and efficacy of a new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner in the treatment and control of naturally occurring flea infestations in cats presented as veterinary patients in Australia

BackgroundThe safety and efficacy of a new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner were evaluated for the treatment and control of natural flea infestations on cats in two non-randomised, multi-centre clinical trials conducted in 8 different locations in Queensland, Australia.MethodsOne hundred and four cats from 65 different households were enrolled across the two studies. Demographic characteristics of cats in the two studies were similar. The new spot-on formulation of selamectin and sarolaner was administered topically once a month for 3 consecutive months at a minimum dosage of 6 mg/kg selamectin (dose range 6–12 mg/kg) plus 1 mg/kg sarolaner (dose range 1–2 mg/kg). Cats were dosed on Days 0 (pre-treatment), 30 and 60 and physical examinations and flea counts were conducted on Days 0, 30, 60 and 90. Efficacy assessments were based on the percentage reduction in live flea counts post-treatment compared to Day 0.ResultsIn Study A, at enrolment, primary cats had flea counts ranging from 6 to 107 (arithmetic mean 21.0). The selamectin and sarolaner spot-on formulation resulted in arithmetic mean efficacy of 98.0%, 100% and 100% on Days 30, 60 and 90, respectively. In Study B, at enrolment, primary cats had flea counts ranging from 6 to 22 (arithmetic mean 10.0). The selamectin and sarolaner spot-on formulation resulted in arithmetic mean efficacy of 99.7%, 100% and 100% on Days 30, 60 and 90, respectively.ConclusionsThe new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner topically administered at monthly intervals at the minimum dosage of 6.0 mg/kg selamectin and 1.0 mg/kg sarolaner was safe and highly effective against natural infestations of fleas under a range of geographical conditions, representative of both tropical and subtropical regions of Australia.

FLEAS OF CTENOCEPHALIDES (SIPHONOPTERA: PULICIDAE) ON CAT AND DOG IN HOME ENVIRONMENT, PALEMBANG CITY

Dogs and cats are often kept as pets, thus they stay close to humans. Parasitic/zoonotic diseases in humans were often caused by ectoparasite in cats and dogs. This study aimed to determine the morphological differences between cat fleas and dog fleas and the prevalence of cats and dogs infested by fleas around the home environment in Ilir Barat 1 District, Palembang City. The method used was descriptive exploratory method with field observation techniques and specimen collection. The study was conducted in November - December 2018 in five Sub-districts, (Bukit Lama, Bukit Baru, Lorok Pakjo, Demang Lebar Daun, and 26 Ilir 1). The results showed that cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) had different color and some morphological differences, such as the shape of the head, the number of spines in the genal comb, the number of notches in the tibia, and the number of seta in the metapisternum. The highest prevalence of fleas infestation in cats was in Bukit Lama and 26 Ilir 1 (33.3%), while the highest prevalence of infestation in dogs was in Demang Lebar Daun Village (36.6%). Only in Lorok Pakjo Sub-district that no dog fleas infesting dogs are found. __________________________________________________________

Therapeutic management of mange infestation in cat (Felis catus): a case report

Two female cats (8 months old) were presented to Polyclinic, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, UP with the history of exhibited crust formation, hyperkeratosis, alopecia and intense pruritis. On clinical examination white indurated dry crust like lesions were observed at the ear margins, face, and legs. On skin scrapping, both samples were found positive for mite infestation. Morphological observations viz., a round body, short legs and a dorsal anus revealed the presence of Notoedres spp. infestation. The infected cats were treated with weekly twice oral administration of ivermectin at 200 μg/kg body weight, oral administration of 2 ml of multi-vitamin and mineral syrup daily, which successfully cured notoedric mange infestation in cats.

Efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto\xae Plus) in cats following repeated experimental challenge with a field isolate of Ctenocephalides felis

BackgroundA spot-on formulation of fluralaner plus moxidectin has been designed to provide long-term protection against fleas and ticks, prevent heartworm disease and treat gastrointestinal nematode infections in cats. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of this product against fleas collected from a household with repeated fipronil failures following owner-administered treatments.MethodsThirty cats were randomized to three equal groups: (A) untreated controls; (B) to receive a single application of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus) at 40 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg body weight, respectively; and (C) three applications at one month intervals with a spot-on formulation of fipronil and (S)-methoprene (Frontline® Plus) at 0.5 ml manufacturer recommended dose. Flea challenges were completed on Days −6 (for randomization), −1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 77, 84 and 91. Flea counts were completed 48 hours after initial treatment and 48 hours following each subsequent challenge.ResultsFleas were found on all control and all fipronil and (S)-methoprene treated cats at every assessment. From Day 2 to Day 93, all cats in the fluralaner plus moxidectin group were flea-free, with one exception (Day 58; three fleas counted on one cat); control group flea counts ranged between 34–109, and fipronil and (S)-methoprene group counts ranged between 1–79. At each assessment after Day 0, compared to the control group, geometric mean flea counts were significantly lower in the fipronil and (S)-methoprene group (P ≤ 0.04) and in the fluralaner plus moxidectin group (P < 0.001), and mean flea counts in the fluralaner plus moxidectin group were significantly lower than those of the fipronil and (S)-methoprene group (P < 0.001). The efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin, based on geometric means, was 100% at each assessment post-Day 0 except on Day 58 when efficacy was 99.7%. In the fipronil and (S)-methoprene group efficacy ranged between 30.6–65.6%.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate complete efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin against a flea isolate that was not controlled by fipronil and (S)-methoprene. This study provides confirmation of the consistent, sustained efficacy of topically applied fluralaner in the treatment and control of flea infestations in cats.

Efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto\xae Plus spot-on solution for cats) against Otodectes cynotis infestations in cats

BackgroundThe efficacy of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin for the treatment of Otodectes cynotis infestations was evaluated in cats after topical application.MethodsSixteen cats experimentally infested with O. cynotis were allocated randomly to two groups of 8 cats each. One group was treated topically with the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin at the minimum dose rate of 40 mg fluralaner and 2 mg moxidectin/kg body weight. The other group was treated with physiological saline solution. Before and 14 and 28 days after treatment the ears of all cats were examined otoscopically for live mites and for the amount of debris and cerumen. Twenty-eight days after treatment, the cats were sedated and had both ears flushed to obtain the total number of live mites per animal. Efficacy was calculated, based on the results of the ear flushing, by comparing mean live mite counts in the fluralaner plus moxidectin treated group versus the saline group.ResultsA single topical application of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin to cats reduced the mean mite counts by 100% (P < 0.001) by 28 days after treatment. No mites were visible during otoscopic examination at either 14 or 28 days after treatment. All fluralaner plus moxidectin treated cats had less ceruminous exudate 28 days after treatment compared to pre-treatment and 14 days after treatment. No treatment related adverse events were observed in any cats enrolled in the study.ConclusionsSingle topical application of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin was highly effective against O. cynotis infestations in cats.

Pharmacokinetics of lotilaner following a single oral or intravenous administration in cats

BackgroundCredelioTM (lotilaner) is an oral ectoparasiticide from the isoxazoline class developed for the treatment of flea and tick infestations in cats. It is formulated as a pure S-enantiomer in flavoured chewable tablets. The pharmacokinetics of lotilaner were investigated after intravenous or oral administration and under fed or fasted conditions in cats. Twenty-six adult cats were enrolled in a pharmacokinetic study evaluating either intravenous or oral administration of lotilaner. Following the oral administration at a dosage of 6 mg/kg, under fed or fasted conditions, or intravenous administration of 3 mg/kg, blood samples were collected up to 35 days after treatment. Lotilaner blood concentrations were measured using a validated liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis. In addition, in vivo enantiomer stability of lotilaner was evaluated in a separate bioanalytical study.ResultsFollowing oral administration in fed cats, lotilaner was readily absorbed and peak blood concentrations reached within four hours. The terminal half-life was 33.6 days. Food enhanced the absorption, providing close to 100% oral bioavailability and reduced the inter-individual variability. Following intravenous administration, lotilaner had a low clearance of 0.13 l/kg/day, large volumes of distribution Vz and Vss of 5.34 and 5.37 l/kg, respectively and a terminal half-life of 28.7 days. In addition, there was no in vivo racemization of lotilaner.ConclusionsThe pharmacokinetic properties of lotilaner administered orally as a flavoured chewable tablet (CredelioTM) were studied in detail. With a Tmax of 4 h and a terminal half-life of 33.6 days under fed conditions, lotilaner provides a rapid onset of flea and tick killing activity with consistent and sustained efficacy for at least one month in cats.

Safety of lotilaner flavoured chewable tablets (CredelioTM) after oral administration in cats

BackgroundLotilaner is a new member of the isoxazoline class for treatment of flea and tick infestations in cats. This laboratory study with lotilaner vanilla-yeast flavoured chewable tablets (CredelioTM, Elanco) investigated the safety in healthy kittens starting at 8 weeks of age in a randomized, blinded, parallel-group design. Lotilaner tablets were given orally once a month over eight months at one, three and five times the upper level of the maximum recommended dose range (26 mg/kg).MethodsThe safety of lotilaner flavoured chewable tablets was assessed in healthy kittens when administered orally every 4 weeks for 8 months at the highest recommended dose rates, i.e. 1× (26 mg/kg) and at elevated dose rates, i.e. 3× (78 mg/kg) and 5× (130 mg/kg). Sixteen male and 16 female healthy 8-week-old kittens, with a mean body weight of 0.79 kg and 0.75 kg, respectively, were randomized to an untreated control group or lotilaner groups at dose rates of 26 mg/kg (1×), 78 mg/kg (3×), or 130 mg/kg (5×) every four weeks over eight months. The control group was sham-dosed. All animals were fed within 30 minutes prior to treatment. Safety assessment included general health observations, detailed clinical observations, complete physical/neurological examinations, including ophthalmological examinations, electrocardiographic (ECG) and clinical pathology evaluations (haematology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis), food and water consumption, body weight, pharmacokinetic blood collections, organ macroscopic and microscopic examinations.ResultsSystemic exposure to lotilaner was confirmed during the course of the study in all treated animals with the exception of the control group. No treatment-related effects were seen on daily clinical observations, food consumption (wet), ophthalmoscopic, physical/neurological and microscopic examinations. Statistically significant differences were recorded in some of the clinical pathology parameters, body weights, food consumption (dry), electrocardiograms, and organ weights, but none of the recorded observations was considered to be of clinical relevance.ConclusionsLotilaner, when administered once monthly over eight months at the highest recommended dose and overdoses of three- and five-fold, to 8-week-old healthy kittens, is well tolerated.

Investigation of the efficacy of fluralaner spot-on (Bravecto\xae) against infestations of Ixodes holocyclus on cats

BackgroundInfestation of cats with the Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus continues to be a threat because of the paralysis that can result from attachment of just a single tick. The outcome can be fatal, particularly if tick removal and treatment is not initiated soon after the onset of paralysis. However, there are no published studies to guide veterinarians and owners on preventive measures. A study was therefore initiated to determine the efficacy of a systemically-acting, spot-on formulation of fluralaner (Bravecto®) for cats against existing I. holocyclus infestations, and to investigate the duration of protection following a single administration.MethodsHealthy domestic cats, short or long-hair, immunized against holocyclotoxin, were randomly allocated to two groups of 10 cats per group, to receive either a single topically applied fluralaner treatment or no treatment. Fluralaner treatments were administered on Day 0 at a dose rate of 40 mg/kg. All cats were infested with 10 adult unfed female I. holocyclus on Day -1 and on Days 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84. Ticks were assessed at 24 and 48 h after fluralaner treatment and 24, 48 and 72 hours after each subsequent re-infestation. Ticks were counted but not removed at the 24- and 48-h post-challenge assessments and were removed following the 72-h counts.ResultsThe efficacy of fluralaner spot-on against an existing I. holocyclus infestation was 100% at 48 h post treatment. Following re-infestations, efficacy remained at 100% at the 72-h assessments for all challenges from Day 14 to Day 84. Differences between mean live tick counts on treated versus control cats were significant at all time points from the first post-treatment assessment (t-test: t(18) = 23.162; P < 0.0001) through the final challenge on Day 84 (t-test: t(18) = 21.153; P < 0.0001). No treatment-related adverse events were observed and there were no abnormal observations at the product application sites.ConclusionsA single treatment of fluralaner spot-on was well tolerated and provided 100% efficacy against I. holocyclus ticks for at least 84 days. Fluralaner spot-on can be a valuable tool to prevent tick infestation in cats, and to control the risk of I. holocyclus-induced paralysis.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and other intestinal parasites in cats in Tokachi sub-prefecture, Japan.

The present study investigated the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and other intestinal parasites in cats in the Tokachi subprefecture in Japan. A total of 365 household cats were included in the study, and 353 serum and 351 fecal samples were collected and analyzed. T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in the sera of 16.14% of cats based on Latex agglutination test and ELISA. For ELISA, T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites lysate and T. gondii SAG2 recombinant protein were used as antigens. Low seropositivity was detected in cats younger than one year and older than 11 years; outdoor and hunter cats showed significantly high seropositivities. Neutering either in male or female cats, but not gender, had a considerable effect on seroprevalence. Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were detected in one fecal sample. The overall parasitic infestation in cats was 12.5%. Other detected parasites included Toxocara species, which showed the highest prevalence of 7.7%, followed by Isospora spp. (2%), Taenia spp. (1.7%), and Ancylostoma spp. (0.9%). Spirometra spp. was detected in only one sample. Outdoor cats comprised 50% of all 44 parasite-infested cats. Although T. gondii oocysts were detected in only one sample, the relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii indicated that it can pose significant risks to the environment. Our findings highlighted the potential of outdoor cats as a source of T. gondii and other parasites.

Efficacy and speed of kill of a new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner against flea infestations in cats

The efficacy of a new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner against induced flea infestations in cats was confirmed in three placebo-controlled, blinded studies. Purpose-bred adult cats (n=8/group) were blocked by pre-treatment flea counts and randomly allocated to treatment with either a placebo or with the spot-on formulation at the minimum dose of 6.0mg selamectin and 1.0mg sarolaner per kg bodyweight. Treatments were applied topically once on Day 0. All cats were infested with approximately 100 unfed, adult Ctenocephalides felis prior to treatment and at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. In Studies 1 and 2 comb counts were conducted to determine the numbers of viable fleas 24h after treatment and subsequent weekly infestations. In Study 3, flea counts were conducted at 6, 12, 24 and 48h after treatment and 3, 6, 12 and 24h after subsequent weekly infestations to evaluate the speed of kill against fleas. Cats in the placebo-treated groups maintained flea infestations throughout all studies. In Study 1, no live fleas were found on any of the treated cats, resulting in 100% efficacy for 5 weeks after a single treatment (P≤0.0001). In Study 2, selamectin/sarolaner reduced flea counts by 92.4% immediately after treatment and by 97.7%–100% after re-infestations for five weeks (P≤0.0001). In the speed of kill study, selamectin/sarolaner started killing fleas within 12h after treatment administration and within 6h following re-infestation for at least 28days. Efficacy was 98.1% by 24h after treatment and 100% within 24h after re-infestations for 5 weeks. A single topical administration of a new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner at the minimum dose rapidly and consistently kills fleas on cats for at least 5 weeks.

Efficacy and safety of a new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner in the treatment of naturally occurring flea and tick infestations in cats presented as veterinary patients in Europe

Two randomised, blinded, multi-centre field studies were conducted in Europe (Germany, Italy, France, Hungary) to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of three monthly applications of a new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner (Stronghold® Plus, Zoetis) against natural flea or tick infestations in cats presented as veterinary patients. The spot-on formulation was administered at the commercial dose range of 6.0–12.0mg selamectin and 1.0–2.0mg sarolaner per kg bodyweight. In the flea study, the improvement in clinical signs associated with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) was also monitored. Imidacloprid plus moxidectin (Advocate® for Cats, Bayer) and fipronil (Frontline® Spot on, Merial) were used as positive control products in the flea and tick studies, respectively. Treatments were administered on Days 0, 30 and 60. Efficacy was calculated based on the mean percent reduction of live parasite counts on post-treatment days 14, 30, 60 and 90 versus the pre-treatment count on Day 0. Non-inferiority of selamectin/sarolaner to the control products was assessed at each time-point using a non-inferiority margin of 15% at the one-sided 0.025 significance level. Cats were enrolled in a 2:1 ratio (selamectin/sarolaner:comparator).In the flea study, 277 cats were assessed for efficacy and safety, and an additional 170 cats were assessed for safety only. On days 14, 30, 60 and 90, efficacy against fleas was 97.4%, 97.3%, 98.8% and 99.4% in the selamectin/sarolaner-treated group and was 90.0%, 83.6%, 87.7% and 96.3% in the imidacloprid/moxidectin-treated group, respectively. Selamectin/sarolaner was non-inferior to imidacloprid/moxidectin at all time-points. For the 16 cats identified as having FAD at enrolment, clinical signs related to FAD improved following treatment administration. In the tick study, 200 cats were assessed for efficacy and safety, and a further 70 cats were assessed for safety only. Four tick species were identified. Overall efficacy against ticks was 96.7%, 92.6%, 98.8% and 99.5% in the selamectin/sarolaner-treated group and was 90.2%, 74.6%, 83.0% and 93.4% in the fipronil-treated group on Days 14, 30, 60 and 90, respectively. Selamectin/sarolaner was non-inferior to fipronil at all time-points, and was superior on Days 30 and 60. There were no serious treatment-related adverse events in any study. Thus, the new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner administered at monthly intervals was safe and highly effective against natural infestations of fleas and ticks on cats, and improved clinical signs of FAD.