A randomized, blinded, controlled USA field study to assess the use of fluralaner topical solution in controlling feline flea infestations

Fecal elimination of fluralaner in different carnivore species after oral administration

Fluralaner is a recent external parasiticide, first of a new class of drugs (isoxazoline parasiticides). It is widely used in companion animals both for its wide spectrum (fleas, ticks and other mites) but also for its ease of use (oral tablets given once for 1 to three months). It is known to be eliminated primarily via the feces (>90%) as the unchanged compound. In zoo carnivores, controlling external parasites is also important and there are no specific products with a marketing authorization to control them. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of fluralaner in zoo carnivores. The second objective was to demonstrate that fluralaner can be eliminated over a prolonged period of time, thereby raising questions about its potential impact on non-target species such as arthropods. After adjusting the oral dose using allometric equations, animals were dosed and fecal samples were collected on a regular basis for up to three months to determine the fecal elimination curve of fluralaner as a surrogate of plasma kinetics (for ethical and safety reasons, plasma samples were not considered). All samples were analyzed with a validated LC-MSMS technique. Our results show that, despite limitations and a limited number of animals included, most carnivores eliminate fluralaner in their feces for several weeks to months (in Lions, fluralaner was still detectable after 89 days). To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating such a long elimination period in animals. Further studies would be required to investigate the risk associated with the presence of active residues in other carnivore feces for the environment, especially in dogs and cats, considering the large use of this class of compounds.

Effectiveness of a fluralaner spot-on formulation in a case of feline demodicosis due to Demodex cati

Case summary

A 7-year-old male domestic shorthair cat was presented with a non-pruritic erythematous crusted nasal hypotrichosis along with bilateral ceruminous otitis externa. The cat was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Deep skin scraping, trichograms from lesional skin and ear canal parasitological examination were positive for Demodex cati. A 250 mg (55.5 mg/kg) fluralaner spot-on for medium-sized cats (Bravecto; MSD) was applied to the base of the cat’s head. Re-examinations were carried out on the fourth, sixth and eighth weeks after therapy. On the fourth week, the ceruminous otitis had resolved completely and the nasal lesions were markedly improved. One dead adult D cati was found in deep skin scrapings while other tests from the skin and both ear canals were negative. On the second re-examination only a mild hypotrichosis persisted on the nasal region and all parasitological examinations were negative. Eight weeks after the initial examination, the skin lesions had almost clinically resolved. On the 12th week, fluralaner spot-on was repeated. No recurrence was noted at the 6-month follow-up.

Relevance and novel information

The use of isoxazolines has been reported for only a few demodectic cats but was described to be safe and effective. This is the first report to evaluate the efficacy of a single spot-on fluralaner for the treatment of localised dermatitis and otodemodicosis due to D cati, and suggests it as an effective, safe and practical treatment.

Flea and tick treatment satisfaction, preference, and adherence reported by cat owners in the US, UK, or France who treated their cats with transdermal fluralaner

Background

Fluralaner (Bravecto^®) is an isoxazoline class compound that is the only topically applied systemic ectoparasiticide approved for dosing at up to 12-week intervals for flea and tick control in cats.

Aim

To describe veterinarian recommendations for ectoparasiticide medications used in the UK and France along with veterinary recommendations previously reported from the US, as well as to assess cat owners' experience with a commercial transdermal spot-on fluralaner formulation administered to cats in the US and similarly describe the experiences of cat owners from the UK or France who administered fluralaner for feline flea and tick prevention.

Methods

Clients of participating veterinary practices in the US, UK, or France who were visiting the clinic for a routine wellness visit, were currently treating their cat with fluralaner (Bravecto^®), and had purchased at least two doses were asked to complete a short two-page survey about their experience with flea and tick medications including fluralaner and other products they may have been administered.

Results

Owners in the US (451 cats), UK (512 cats), and France (520 cats) completed surveys. Most cat owners (66%-75%) had previously administered other flea and tick products. More than 94% of cat owners surveyed in each country were satisfied or very satisfied with fluralaner. The most frequently reported benefit of using fluralaner was the 12-week dosing interval, selected by 76% of respondents in the US, 82% in the UK, and 70% in France. 79%-88% of cat owners (depending on the country) thought that dosing with extended duration fluralaner was more convenient than dosing with monthly flea and tick products and 86%-89% of cat owners that had used other flea and tick products preferred fluralaner over the other flea and tick products.

Conclusion

Veterinarians in the US, UK, and France recommended 12 months of flea protection and 9-11 months of tick protection per year, even though, in this study, cat owners usually purchased 1-3 months of protection per year. A longer flea and tick dosing interval, as seen with fluralaner, correlates with higher user satisfaction and preference among cat owners. Owners identified the 12-week dosing interval and single dose efficacy as the top reasons for selecting the fluralaner product for their cat. In all three countries, most cat owners indicated that they were more likely to deliver doses of extended duration fluralaner on time, compared to flea and tick products dosed monthly.

A randomized, controlled field study to assess the efficacy and safety of lotilaner flavored chewable tablets (Credelio™ CAT) in eliminating fleas in client-owned cats in the USA

BACKGROUND

Studies show that the novel isoxazoline, lotilaner (Credelio™ CAT; Elanco Animal Health), which is administered orally to cats, provides rapid and sustained flea kill for least 1 month following administration with a wide safety margin. A clinical trial was undertaken to confirm its efficacy, impact on flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) and safety under field conditions.

METHODS

A total of 343 cats were enrolled in the study at 11 veterinary clinics in the USA. Upon inclusion, cat households were randomized at a ratio of 2:1 to receive lotilaner tablets at the recommended dose (minimum 6 mg/kg) or a topical formulation containing fipronil + S-methoprene (Frontline® Plus for cats; Boehringer Ingelheim), administered per label. Owners were dispensed treatments for administration on days 0, 30 and 60; all household cats were administered the same treatment. Flea counts were made on primary cats (1 cat per household) on days 0 (pre-treatment), 30, 60 and 90. Flea allergy dermatitis was assessed on days 30, 60 and 90 for all cats with signs of FAD on day 0. Lotilaner-treated cats were also assessed for their acceptance of oral tablet administration by the pet owner, and safety was assessed for all cats in both groups.

RESULTS

Lotilaner efficacy was 98.3, 99.9 and 99.9% on days 30, 60 and 90, respectively, while the efficacy of fipronil + S-methoprene was 61.6, 75.4 and 84.7%, respectively (P < 0.0001, within both groups and all days). Flea counts were significantly lower in the lotilaner group than in the fipronil + S-methoprene group (P < 0.0001) on each assessment day. On day 90, 98.3% of lotilaner-treated cats and 28.8% of fipronil + S-methoprene-treated cats were free of fleas. Owners successfully administered 99.5% of tablets to their cats. Total FAD score was reduced significantly following treatment in both groups by day 30 (lotilaner: P < 0.0001; fipronil + S-methoprene: P = 0.0041) and continued to decrease following multiple treatments. Total FAD scores were also significantly lower in the lotilaner group than in the fipronil + S-methoprene group on day 90 (P = 0.0006 for FAD total score). Pruritus scores were significantly lower in the lotilaner group on all assessment days.

CONCLUSION

A single lotilaner treatment, administered by the pet owner, was > 98% efficacious in reducing flea counts within 30 days. Three consecutive monthly lotilaner treatments resulted in nearly 100% reduction in flea infestation. In the evaluations of flea counts, number of cats free from fleas and pruritus FAD score, lotilaner was shown to be superior to fipronil + S-methoprene at all time points. Lotilaner was more efficacious than fipronil + S-methoprene and was associated with greater reduction in FAD signs. Lotilaner flavored tablets were well accepted by cats. Adverse reactions were mild and infrequent, confirming the safety of lotilaner tablets in client-owned cats.

Fluralaner as a novel treatment for sarcoptic mange in the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus): safety, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and practicable use

Background

Sarcoptic mange causes significant animal welfare and occasional conservation concerns for bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) throughout their range. To date, in situ chemotherapeutic interventions have involved macrocytic lactones, but their short duration of action and need for frequent re-administration has limited treatment success. Fluralaner (Bravecto®; MSD Animal Health), a novel isoxazoline class ectoparasiticide, has several advantageous properties that may overcome such limitations.

Methods

Fluralaner was administered topically at 25 mg/kg (n = 5) and 85 mg/kg (n = 2) to healthy captive bare-nosed wombats. Safety was assessed over 12 weeks by clinical observation and monitoring of haematological and biochemical parameters. Fluralaner plasma pharmacokinetics were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Efficacy was evaluated through clinical assessment of response to treatment, including mange and body condition scoring, for 15 weeks after topical administration of 25 mg/kg fluralaner to sarcoptic mange-affected wild bare-nosed wombats (n = 3). Duration of action was determined through analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters and visual inspection of study subjects for ticks during the monitoring period. Methods for diluting fluralaner to enable ‘pour-on’ application were compared, and an economic and treatment effort analysis of fluralaner relative to moxidectin was undertaken.

Results

No deleterious health impacts were detected following fluralaner administration. Fluralaner was absorbed and remained quantifiable in plasma throughout the monitoring period. For the 25 mg/kg and 85 mg/kg treatment groups, the respective means for maximum recorded plasma concentrations (C_max) were 6.2 and 16.4 ng/ml; for maximum recorded times to C_max, 3.0 and 37.5 days; and for plasma elimination half-lives, 40.1 and 166.5 days. Clinical resolution of sarcoptic mange was observed in all study animals within 3–4 weeks of treatment, and all wombats remained tick-free for 15 weeks. A suitable product for diluting fluralaner into a ‘pour-on’ was found. Treatment costs were competitive, and predicted treatment effort was substantially lower relative to moxidectin.

Conclusions

Fluralaner appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for sarcoptic mange in the bare-nosed wombat, with a single dose lasting over 1–3 months. It has economic and treatment-effort-related advantages over moxidectin, the most commonly used alternative. We recommend a dose of 25 mg/kg fluralaner and, based on the conservative assumption that at least 50% of a dose makes dermal contact, Bravecto Spot-On for Large Dogs as the most appropriate formulation for adult bare-nosed wombats.

Graphical abstract

Adherence to veterinary recommendations for ectoparasiticides purchased by cat owners in the USA

Background

Safe and effective flea and tick treatment options for cats are important in companion animal practice because of feline ectoparasite infestation prevalence and the potential for parasitic disease transmission. Retrospective cat owner purchasing transactions at United States of America (USA) veterinary clinics were obtained for three topical feline flea and tick ectoparasiticides. One medication, fluralaner, had a 12-week redosing interval, while two other medications (fipronil/s-methoprene/pyriproxyfen; imidacloprid/pyriproxyfen) were approved for monthly redosing. The annual number of doses purchased by cat owners was determined for each of the three medications and then compared between medications. The objective was to evaluate whether 12-week retreatment intervals resulted in a different duration of coverage compared to monthly treatments for ectoparasiticide products.

Methods

Study results were obtained by analyzing the transactional records from a commercial database derived from veterinary practice management software. The study database consisted of cat owner purchasing records from January 2017 through June 2019 from 671 veterinary practices representing 41,630 cats.

Results

Cat owners purchased an average of 1.5 doses of fluralaner per year which, based on a 12-week redosing interval, provides 4.2 months of treatment coverage. Cat owners who used monthly flea and tick medications respectively purchased 3.6 months (fipronil/s-methoprene/pyriproxyfen combination) and 2.8 months (imidacloprid/pyriproxyfen) annually of each of the two medications. Average yearly cat owner purchases of fluralaner provide a significantly longer duration of coverage than for cat owners purchasing fipronil/s-methoprene/pyriproxyfen (17% more) or imidacloprid/pyriproxyfen (50% more).

Conclusions

Cat owners who obtained a flea and tick treatment with a 12-week redosing interval (fluralaner) protected their cats for up to 17% or 50% longer duration each year, respectively, compared to the duration of protection obtained by cat owners who used a medication re-dosed monthly. Cat owners should increase their duration of flea and tick coverage to come closer to achieving veterinary recommendations.

Recent Advancements in the Control of Cat Fleas

Simple Summary

The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis is the most important pest of domesticated cats and dogs worldwide. This review covers the recent advancements in the control of cat fleas. Over the years, there has been an interest in using ecologically friendly approaches to control fleas. To date, no biological, natural, or cultural means have been discovered that mitigate flea infestations. The recent registration of novel topical and oral therapies promises a new revolution in the control of fleas and ticks and the diseases associated with them.

Abstract

With the advent of imidacloprid and fipronil spot-on treatments and the oral ingestion of lufenuron, the strategies and methods to control cat fleas dramatically changed during the last 25 years. New innovations and new chemistries have highlighted this progress. Control strategies are no longer based on the tripartite approach of treating the pet, the indoor environment, and outdoors. The ability of modern therapies to break the cat flea life cycle and prevent reproduction has allowed for the stand-alone treatments that are applied or given to the pet. In doing so, we have not only controlled the cat flea, but we have prevented or reduced the impact of many of the diseases associated with ectoparasites and endoparasites of cats and dogs. This review provides an update of newer and non-conventional approaches to control cat fleas.

Open field study on the efficacy of fluralaner topical solution for long-term control of flea bite allergy dermatitis in client owned cats in Ile-de-France region

Background

Flea bite is considered to be the main cause of allergic dermatitis in cats. There is a need for treatments able to control clinical signs of allergic dermatitis associated with flea bite in cats.

This was an open pre-treatment versus post-treatment clinical field study. All cats included in the study presented pruritus, skin lesions or other evidence compatible with flea infestation. Skin lesions were assessed (using SCORFAD) at days 0, 28, 56 and 84 whereas pruritus severity was assessed (using PVAS) at days 0, 15, 28, 56 and 84. On day 0, The fluralaner (280 mg/ml) product (Bravecto® spot-on for cats) was supplied in pipettes containing 0.4, 0.89 and 1.79 ml for cats of 1.2–2.8 kg, > 2.8–6.25 kg and > 6.25–12.5 kg body weight, respectively. The other animals living in the same household also received fluralaner. Based on cytological examination at day 0, oral amoxicillin and clavulanic acid was prescribed for 21 days if indicated. For cats presenting intense pruritus and discomfort at day 0, oral prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg was prescribed for 3 days.

Results

During the study all cats, except for one (cat number 10), improved significantly. Post-treatment median SCORFAD scores at all evaluations were significantly different from the pre-treatment score on day 0 (P values < 0.002 for all three post treatment examination days) with a score reduction of 49% on day 28, 79% on day 56 and 87% on day 84. The PVAS score decreased significantly over the study period for all cats but one (cat number 10). Post-treatment median PVAS scores at all evaluations were significantly different from the pre-treatment PVAS score on day 0 (P value < 0.002 for all four post-treatment days) with a reduction of 46% on day 15, 67% on day 28, 82% on day 56 and 92% on day 84. No adverse reaction or other health issue was reported during the study.

Conclusions

A single topical treatment with fluralaner results in a significant reduction of flea bite allergic dermatitis clinical signs in cats over the subsequent 12 weeks without any additional environmental treatment.

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

BACKGROUND

A 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.

METHODS

Thirty 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.

RESULTS

Fleas 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%.

CONCLUSIONS

These 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.

Feline Vector-Borne Diseases in North America

"In North America, with the exceptions of Bartonella henselae and Cytauxzoon felis, feline vector-borne diseases (FVBDs) have been minimally studied in domestic cats. Cats can be infected with many of the same vector-borne pathogens that infect dogs. Nonspecific clinical signs linked to FVBDs and low prevalence of certain vector-borne pathogens contribute to a limited awareness of FVBDs in sick cats. As clinicians become informed about FVBDs and as vector-borne disease diagnostics are routinely applied to evaluate sick cats, we will gain a stronger understanding of vector-borne pathogens in cats. This article focuses on recent findings related to FVBDs."

Efficacy of fluralaner spot-on solution for the treatment of Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis mixed infestation in naturally infested cats

BACKGROUND

Cats can be infested with several ectoparasite species, especially Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single topical application of fluralaner against C. felis and O. cynotis natural infestation in stray (study 1) and owned (study 2) cats in central and southern Italy.

RESULTS

The number of live fleas found on each cat on Day 0 ranged from 1 to more than 30 (arithmetic mean live flea count = 11.9 in study 1; 14.6 in study 2) while no live fleas were found on days 7 and 84 post topical application of fluralaner. The number of live mites found on each cat on Day 0 ranged from 1 to 42 (arithmetic mean live mite count = 6.4 in study 1; 8.9 in study 2) while no live mites were found on days 7 and 84 post topical application of fluralaner.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical fluralaner completely eliminated fleas and ear mites from infested cats and was 100% effective against both parasites up to 84 days after treatment.

A randomized, blinded, controlled, multi-centered field study assessing the treatment of gastrointestinal nematode infections in cats with fluralaner plus moxidectin spot-on solution (Bravecto® Plus)

BACKGROUND

A spot-on formulation containing fluralaner (280 mg/ml) plus moxidectin (14 mg/ml) (Bravecto® Plus) was developed for the treatment of nematode infections as well as providing 12 weeks of protection against insect and acarine parasites in cats. The effectiveness and safety of this product against feline gastrointestinal nematodes was assessed in naturally-infested, client-owned cats under field conditions in Albania, Bulgaria, Germany and Hungary.

METHODS

To be eligible for enrollment in this investigator-blinded study cats had to be at least 10 weeks-old, weigh at least 1.2 kg, be clinically healthy, and have a faecal sample testing positive for nematodes no more than eight days prior to treatment. Cats were stratified into blocks of three in order of presentation at each center and randomly allocated in a 2:1 ratio to be treated topically on Day 0 with fluralaner plus moxidectin (minimum dose rates 40 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg, respectively) or emodepside plus praziquantel (minimum dose rates 3 mg/kg and 12 mg/kg, respectively) (Profender®). Faecal samples were collected from cats prior to treatment and 14 ± 4 days later.

RESULTS

There were 182 cats randomized to the fluralaner plus moxidectin group, and 91 to the emodepside plus praziquantel group. Prior to treatment the most commonly identified nematode egg was Toxocara cati, found in 79.1 and 82.4% of cats in the fluralaner plus moxidectin and emodepside plus praziquantel groups, respectively. Eggs of Toxascaris leonina were found in 8.2 and 6.6% of cats; of hookworms in 30.8 and 24.2%; and of Capillaria spp. in 7.1 and 4.3%, respectively. After treatment, faecal samples from 98.3% of fluralaner plus moxidectin treated and 96.6% of emodepside plus praziquantel-treated cats were free of nematode ova. Geometric mean faecal egg count reductions for T. cati, the only eggs found in post-treatment faecal samples, were 99.97% and 99.93%, respectively. Treatment with fluralaner plus moxidectin was non-inferior to emodepside plus praziquantel. Both products were safe and well tolerated by cats treated under field conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This field study confirms that, in addition to 12-week extended duration flea and tick control, fluralaner plus moxidectin provides broad spectrum treatment of nematodes in cats.

Field effectiveness and safety of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus) against ticks and fleas: a European randomized, blinded, multicenter field study in naturally-infested client-owned cats

BACKGROUND

A spot-on formulation containing fluralaner (280 mg/ml) plus moxidectin (14 mg/ml) (Bravecto® Plus) has been developed to provide broad spectrum parasite protection for cats. The effectiveness and safety of this product against ticks and fleas was assessed in a randomized, controlled, 12-week study in client-owned cats in Germany and Spain.

METHODS

Eligible households containing at least one cat with at least two fleas and/or two ticks were allocated randomly in a 2:1 ratio to a single treatment with fluralaner plus moxidectin on Day 0, or three 4-weekly treatments with fipronil (Frontline®). Veterinary staff, masked to treatment, completed tick and flea counts on each cat at 14 ± 2 (2 weeks), 28 ± 2 (4 weeks), 56 ± 2 (8 weeks) and 84 ± 2 days (12 weeks) after the initial treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 707 cats (257 with ticks) from 332 households (236 with fleas) were included. Ixodes ricinus (78%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex (18%) ticks were the most commonly identified. Tick and flea counts were lower in the fluralaner plus moxidectin group than in the fipronil group throughout the study and the efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin exceeded 97 and 98%, respectively. At 12 weeks, 94.1 and 93.3% of cats from the fluralaner plus moxidectin and 92.2 and 60.3% of cats from the fipronil group were free of ticks and fleas, respectively. Fluralaner plus moxidectin was non-inferior to fipronil (P < 0.0001) at all assessments and superior to fipronil at 2 and 8 weeks for the proportion of cats free of ticks (P < 0.0001). Fluralaner plus moxidectin was superior to fipronil for the proportion of both households and cats free of fleas (P < 0.0001). Both products were safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

A single application of fluralaner plus moxidectin spot-on was well tolerated by cats and highly effective for 12 weeks against ticks and fleas. Fluralaner plus moxidectin was non-inferior to fipronil for the proportion of ectoparasite-free and consistently superior to fipronil in controlling fleas.

In-home assessment of either topical fluralaner or topical selamectin for flea control in naturally infested cats in West Central Florida, USA

Background

An investigation was conducted in West Central Florida, USA to evaluate the efficacy of either topically applied fluralaner or topically applied selamectin to control flea infestations, minimize dermatologic lesions and reduce pruritus in naturally flea infested cats over a 12-week period. When dogs were present in the households, they were treated with either oral fluralaner (if household cats were treated with topical fluralaner) or oral sarolaner (if household cats were treated with topical selamectin).

Methods

Thirty-one cats in 20 homes were treated once with fluralaner topical solution on day 0 and 18 dogs in these homes were administered a single fluralaner chewable. Twenty-nine cats in 18 homes were treated once monthly with a selamectin topical solution for 3 treatments and 13 dogs in these same homes were treated once monthly for 3 treatments with a sarolaner chewable. Fleas on cats were counted by flea combing, fleas on dogs were estimated using visual area counts and fleas in the indoor premises were assessed using intermittent-light flea traps. Blinded-assessments of feline dermatologic lesions were conducted monthly and pruritus severity was evaluated by pet owners.

Results

A single topical application of fluralaner reduced flea populations on cats by 96.6% within 7 days and by 100% at 12 weeks post-treatment. This efficacy was significantly greater than selamectin treatment where single topical application reduced flea populations on cats by 79.4% within 7 days of initial treatment and 3 consecutive monthly treatments reduced flea populations by 91.3% at the end of 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week study, all fluralaner-treated cats were flea-free and this was significantly greater than the 38.5% of selamectin treated cats that were flea-free. At the end of the study, fleas were completely eradicated (from cats, dogs and homes) in 95.0% of fluralaner treatment group homes, significantly greater than the 31.3% of selamectin/sarolaner treatment group homes with complete flea eradication. Owner reported cat pruritus was reduced similarly in both treatment groups. Significant improvements in dermatologic lesion scores were achieved by day 30 in fluralaner treated cats and by day 60 in selamectin treated cats.

Conclusions

An in-home investigation in subtropical Florida found that 1 application of topical fluralaner eliminated flea infestations on cats and in homes significantly more effectively than 3 consecutive monthly doses of selamectin.

A single topical fluralaner application to cats and to dogs controls fleas for 12 weeks in a simulated home environment

BACKGROUND

Fluralaner (Bravecto®, Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ, USA) is a novel isoxazoline that provides up to 12 weeks flea and tick control when administered orally to dogs. Two assessor-blinded studies, one in dogs, the other in cats evaluated the sustained efficacy of a topical fluralaner formulation against fleas in a simulated home environment (SHE).

METHODS

Animals were ranked and blocked into groups of two using flea counts completed 24 hours following Ctenocephalides felis infestations placed on dogs on Day -64, and on cats on Day -36. Within blocks animals were randomized to a treatment group, 10 animals per group, one group to receive fluralaner spot-on (minimum dose rate for dogs, 25 mg/kg; for cats, 40 mg/kg), the other to be a sham-treated control. Animals were then placed into their SHE, one animal per pen or cage and then infested with 100 C. felis at weekly intervals. Dogs were infested from Day -56 through -21 and cats on Days -28 and -21. Fleas were counted and removed from each dog and cat on Day -1. Study animals were then held in clean pens/cages until treatment on Day 0. One day later, after treatment, all animals were returned to their home environment (SHE). Additional 50-flea challenges were placed on each animal on Days 22, 50 and 78. Fleas were counted and replaced on all animals on Day 1 and weekly thereafter for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Arithmetic mean counts in control-group animals exceeded 10 fleas at all post-treatment assessments except on Days 1, 7 and 14. All control-group animals remained infested at each assessment from Day or 28 through Day 84, thereby validating the challenge methodology. Fluralaner efficacy was 100% on all occasions except for 2 fleas found on 1 dog on Day 1, and 3 fleas on 1 dog on Day 14. One flea was recovered from 1 fluralaner treated cat on Day 1. There were no treatment-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

A single application of a topical formulation of fluralaner is well tolerated and highly effective in the prevention of flea infestations of dogs and cats throughout the 12 weeks following treatment.

[New drugs for small animals in 2016]

In 2016, two active pharmaceutical ingredients were released on the German market for small animals: the mineralocorticoid Desoxycorticosterone (Zycortal®) and Sarolaner (Simparica®), an ectoparasiticide of the isoxazoline group. One substance has been authorized for an additional species; Fluralaner (Bravecto®), also an ectoparasiticide of the isoxazoline group, is now authorized for use in cats. Additionally, one veterinary drug with a new combination of active ingredients, one active substance in mono-preparation and two veterinary drugs with a new pharmaceutical form have been launched on the market for small animals.