Pharmacokinetics of an extended-release formulation of eprinomectin in healthy adult alpacas and its use in alpacas confirmed with mange

Epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna): a cross-sectional study in Andean highland communities in Peru

Sarcoptic mange or scabies is a contagious parasitic skin disease that affects a wide range of domestic and wildlife species. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence, molecular identification, and characteristics of sarcoptic mange in vicuñas. A total of 3,274 vicuñas were examined. Following ritual harvesting events ("chaccus") in 13 Andean communities. The presence of mange mites was determined by the skin scraping technique and confirmed by PCR analysis using specific primers for the ITS2 gene of Sarcoptes scabiei. The presence of mange mites was also confirmed by microscopy using samples taken from wallows. A data collection form was used to register the characteristics of the vicuñas sampled. The prevalence of sarcoptic mange was 4.9% (95% CI: 4.1 - 5.6%). All samples from wallows tested positive (9/9). Importantly, the presence of the species S. scabiei was molecularly confirmed. Adult females with regular body condition were more susceptible to sarcoptic mange, although the lesions were mild. This study confirms the presence of S. scabiei in semi-captive vicuñas and points to the possible role of wallows in the dissemination of Sarcoptes mites.

Effective treatment of sarcoptic mange in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) using fluralaner: a case report

South American Camelids, including alpacas, have gained popularity in Europe as pets and prized wool sources. Skin health concerns, particularly mite infestations, have emerged as a notable problem in these animals. Sarcoptic mange can lead to severe itching, papules, and chronic symptoms such as alopecia, crusts, and emaciation if left untreated. This case report documents a 2-year-old female alpaca suffering from sarcoptic mange. Despite initial treatment with ivermectin, its condition worsened, leading to severe weight loss, abortion, and a continued presence of mites. Considering the lack of effective treatments for sarcoptic mange in alpacas and the unavailability of registered drugs for this species in Italy, fluralaner, a drug previously used in other animal species, has been administered orally at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. Within a week after the treatment with fluralaner, the patient exhibited significant improvement, including the resolution of itching, healing of skin lesions, and an increase in appetite. Follow-up skin scrapings confirmed the absence of mites, and the patient's condition continued to improve. Fluralaner demonstrated to be a highly effective and fast-acting treatment for sarcoptic mange in alpacas, offering potential economic benefits attributed to its single-dose administration.

Pharmacokinetics of a long-acting subcutaneous eprinomectin injection in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) - A pilot study

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are exposed to the pathogenic parasitic nematode Elaphostrongylus rangiferi during grazing. The severity of disease is dose-dependent. Prophylactic anthelmintic treatment is needed to improve animal health and reindeer herding sustainability. Herds are traditionally only gathered once during the summer, requiring a drug with a persistent effect. In this study we investigated the suitability of long-acting eprinomectin, given as a single subcutaneous injection at 1 mg/kg bodyweight in adult reindeer and calves. Plasma and faeces concentrations were determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Plasma concentrations remained above the presumed effect level of 2 ng/mL for 80 days, demonstrating the drug's potential. Pharmacokinetic parameters were compared to other species using allometric scaling. Calves and adults had slightly different profiles. No viable faecal nematode eggs were detected during treatment. Eprinomectin was measurable in the reindeer faeces up to 100 days, which is of environmental concern.

Case Report: Successful Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange in European Camelids

Introduction: Members of the Camelidae family are very adaptable mammals, originating from South America. More recently, they have become popular in Europe as pets or wool production farm animals. Their dermatological problems refer mainly to mange, of which sarcoptic mange represent the most clinically relevant form. There is a wide range of molecules effective against sarcoptic mange, but the treatment is very challenging due to the lack of efficiency and absorption.

Methods: Two cases from two different animal populations were described. A female alpaca from Romania with dermatological problems on the ears and two adult llamas, from Italy, both with intense pruritus. Combined treatment with amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin was administered for the alpaca, and 2% moxidectin was given to the llamas.

Results: In both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Sarcoptes scabiei. For the alpaca, negative scrapings were found only after 8 weeks of combined treatment. For the llamas, after four doses of subcutaneous moxidectin, no mites were detected in scrapings and lively hair regrowth of previously alopecic areas was visible.

Conclusion: This paper aimed to present two clinical scenarios of sarcoptic mange in camelids, successfully treated with a combination of ectocides (topical amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin) and 2% subcutaneous moxidectin, respectively.

Treatment of sarcoptic and chorioptic mange in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) herd with a combination of topical amitraz and subcutaneous ivermectin

Clinical history: An outbreak of intense pruritus and weight loss in a herd of 40 alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in the south-west of France was investigated after the death of 14 adults. One alpaca was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for diagnosis and treatment but died soon after and one of the dead alpacas was submitted for necropsy. Clinical findings: The remaining alpacas were intensely pruritic with variably severe and extensive alopecia, erythema, lichenification and crusting on the face, ventral abdomen and distal limbs. Superficial skin scrapes from five animals revealed large numbers of Sarcoptes scabiei mites, and less frequent and numerous Chorioptes bovis mites. Coproscopic examinations revealed a median of 1,350 (min 500, max 8800) strongyle epg. The alpaca admitted for treatment was anaemic and hypoalbuminaemic. Skin scrapes revealed copious S. scabiei and C. bovis mites. The two alpacas examined post-mortem had similar skin lesions to those examined on-farm and were cachexic. One had lung lesions attributed to protostrongylid infestation and its liver contained numerous Dicrocoelium spp. adults. Diagnosis: Sarcoptic and chorioptic mange with secondary superficial bacterial skin infection, associated with severe internal parasitism and underfeeding. Treatment and outcome: All 25 alpacas were treated topically with a 3% chlorhexidine shampoo followed by a 0.025% amitraz wash at the initial visit and then 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 weeks later. A systemic treatment with S/C 500 µg/kg ivermectin was administered at the initial visit and then 2, 7 and 9 weeks later. The alpacas were treated orally with 50 mg/kg praziquantel to control dicrocoeliosis. Nutritional measures, including increased pasture area and supplemental feeding were simultaneously implemented. Pruritus was reduced 1 week after the start of treatment and had resolved after 2 weeks. After 9 weeks, skin lesions were markedly improved. Six months after the initial visit, skin lesions entirely resolved and superficial skin scrapes, taken from half of the animals, were negative for mites. Clinical relevance: This is the first report of the use of two acaricides combined with a chlorhexidine shampoo to successfully treat simultaneous sarcoptic and chorioptic mange in alpacas.

Self-implanted tiny needles as alternative to traditional parenteral administrations for controlled transdermal drug delivery

Controlled drug-delivery systems have potential as substitutes for traditional medication systems due to the advantages in safety, efficacy, and patient compliance that these long-acting dosage forms provide. In this context, the present study focus on the development of self-implanted hyaluronic acid (HA) tiny needles that encapsulate ivermectin (IVM)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles for controlled transdermal IVM release to treat parasitic diseases. The fabricated tiny needles involved matching portable applicator have potentially able for self-administration by patients without intense pain or complexity of current controlled-release devices. The biodegradable IVM-loaded PLGA microparticles were prepared and encapsulated within the tip of dissolving HA tiny needles to achieve high delivery efficiency. The drug loading of tiny needles might be controlled by varying the repeat time of filling or pressing processes. In-vitro tests showed that the tiny needles have sufficient mechanical strength to be inserted into skin within seconds and, next rapidly dissolved to release the loaded drug carriers into subcutaneous tissues for intradermal sustained IVM release. With the in-vivo test in rats, the insertion site recovered barrier property within 3 h. In comparison to traditional hypodermic injection or implantation of controlled-release systems, the proposed polymer tiny needles can be considered as a promising device for controlled transdermal drug delivery.