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Introduction: Tropical climates in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in northern Australia are conducive to the transmission of canine helminths such as hookworms, as well as ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks. In addition to their veterinary importance, these parasites may present a zoonotic risk either directly, or as potential vectors for bacterial pathogens. These factors necessitate efficacious and effective antiparasitic treatment programs for community dogs. Methods: A cluster-randomised trial was performed on three islands in the Torres Strait to examine the short-term efficacy and medium-term effectiveness of three treatment programs. Treatments administered included oral oxibendazole/praziquantel (Paragard®) and oral afoxolaner (Nexgard®); topical moxidectin/imidacloprid (Advocate®) and imidacloprid/flumethrin collars (Seresto®); and off-label oral ivermectin (Bomectin®). Canine faecal samples were collected and examined for endoparasites by faecal flotation and real-time PCR at baseline, 7-11 days after treatment and 6 months later. Results: The proportion of dogs positive for Ancylostoma caninum at baseline and negative at day 7-11 was 9% (95% CI 4.4-17.4) for dogs treated with oxibendazole, 56.4% (95% CI 41-70.7) for moxidectin, and 89.7% (95% CI 73.6-96.4) for ivermectin. Faecal flotation results showed a greater than 90% egg reduction in 29.2% (95% CI 19.9-40.5) of dogs treated with oxibendazole, 79.4% (95% CI 63.2-89.7) for moxidectin, and 95% (95% CI 76.4-99.1) for off- label ivermectin. Elimination of ectoparasite infestation was observed at day 7-11 in 69.9% (95% CI 56.7-80.1) of dogs treated with afoxolaner, 80% (95% CI 60.9-91.1) with imidacloprid/flumethrin collars, and 0% (95% CI 0-11.7) for off-label ivermectin. Mixed effects modelling revealed only treatment group to be significantly associated with outcome measures. Discussion: Based on these study results, the poor efficacy of oxibendazole against A. caninum renders it inept for treatment, while ivermectin and moxidectin were suitable. Ivermectin was unsuitable for ectoparasite treatment due to its poor efficacy, while afoxolaner and imidacloprid/flumethrin collars appear suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most devastating pest to honey bees (Apis mellifera) worldwide is the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. The development of miticide-resistant mite populations has been a major driver of colony loss in many countries. We investigated the threat Varroa poses to honey bee populations in New Zealand and tested the effectiveness of the two most popular chemical treatments used by beekeepers. Colony losses reported by New Zealand beekeepers have risen over five consecutive years from 2017 to 2021, as have the proportion of losses attributed to Varroa, with this parasite found to be the main driver of colony loss in 2021. Varroa resistance to miticide treatments flumethrin and amitraz was tested. The concentration of flumethrin required to kill 50% of the mites (LC50) was 156 µg/g, 26 times greater than the adjusted LC50 value of 6 µg/g observed in a trial also conducted in New Zealand in 2003, indicating evidence of developing mite resistance to flumethrin in New Zealand. Molecular analyses searching for mutations in the Varroa genome known to be associated with flumethrin resistance found no evidence of such mutations, suggesting that any extant resistance to flumethrin has evolved independently in New Zealand. No evidence of resistance to amitraz was found, as the LC50 value of 12 µg/g was lower than what was observed in the 2003 trial (141 µg/g). Further development of integrated pest management, such as with gene-silencing RNA interference (RNAi) and selective breeding of Varroa-resistant bees, is needed to effectively manage a parasite that threatens global agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of flumethrin 1% pour-on (1% w/v, Flumitas) was evaluated against Haematobia exigua on cattle farms in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu from November 2019 to February 2020. In this study, five farms, which had fly menace, selected randomly were divided as treatment (F1, F2, F3 and F4) and control (Fc) groups. Flies collected from the farms were identified as Haematobia exigua and a mean pre-treatment intensity was 195.56 ± 14.07 / animal by filming method. In the treatment groups (F1, F2, F3 and F4) flumethrin 1% pour on was applied to the back of cattle at the rate of 1 ml/10 kg body weight and fly intensity was recorded for a period of 2 months. The fly intensity reduced to zero after 30 min of application and the same trend continued till 28 DPT in F2 and F3, while it was effective 35 DPT in F1 and F4. A highly significant difference in the mean H. exigua fly counts between control and treatment group (P < 0.0001) was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The honeybee ectoparasite Varroa destructor is a major threat to apiculture when evaluating bee diseases and pests. While attempting to control this mite, beekeepers often depend on a small selection of authorized synthetic acaricides, such as flumethrin, which is widely used in Türkiye and globally. However, resistance to flumethrin develops due to incorrect and excessive use. In this study conducted at Ordu Beekeeping Research Institute, trial group were established including an untreated control group and group where flumethrin-based pesticides were applied. Dead varroas collected from pollen traps and live varroas collected from bees were obtained from these trial groups for molecular analysis as positive-negative controls. Varroa samples were collected from provinces representing different regions with intensive beekeeping activities such as Adana, Ankara, Bingöl, Muğla, Ordu, Şanlıurfa, Tekirdağ. Molecular methods were employed to investigate the resistance gene region for pyrethroids (specifically flumethrin) against V. destructor. In our study, individual DNA extractions were performed on dead parasites from colonies subjected to pyrethroid application (resistance negative control) and live parasites (resistance positive control). The DNA samples obtained were used in PCR reactions targeting the region encoding the 925th amino acid of the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene, which is responsible for resistance formation. The DNA samples were subjected to gel electrophoresis to observe the amplification products of the expected target region. To examine the nucleotide sequence changes that encode leucine at the 925th amino acid, which is associated with resistance, DNA sequence analysis was applied to the amplification products. Out of 332 V. destructor parasites obtained from different provinces, 279 were analysed using molecular methods. It was observed that 31% of the samples showed sensitivity to flumethrin while 69% exhibited resistance to it. Among the resistant samples: 27% had homozygous isoleucine mutation; 28% had homozygous valine mutation; 2.8% had heterozygous isoleucine mutation; 8.5% had heterozygous valine mutation; and 2.8% had heterozygous methionine mutation, all of which were associated with flumethrin resistance. As a result, the rate of flumethrin resistance in parasites varied between 51% and 94% among different provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionTropical climates in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in northern Australia are conducive to the transmission of canine helminths such as hookworms, as well as ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks. In addition to their veterinary importance, these parasites may present a zoonotic risk either directly, or as potential vectors for bacterial pathogens. These factors necessitate efficacious and effective antiparasitic treatment programs for community dogs.MethodsA cluster-randomised trial was performed on three islands in the Torres Strait to examine the short-term efficacy and medium-term effectiveness of three treatment programs. Treatments administered included oral oxibendazole/praziquantel (Paragard®) and oral afoxolaner (Nexgard®); topical moxidectin/imidacloprid (Advocate®) and imidacloprid/flumethrin collars (Seresto®); and off-label oral ivermectin (Bomectin®). Canine faecal samples were collected and examined for endoparasites by faecal flotation and real-time PCR at baseline, 7–11 days after treatment and 6 months later.ResultsThe proportion of dogs positive for Ancylostoma caninum at baseline and negative at day 7–11 was 9% (95% CI 4.4–17.4) for dogs treated with oxibendazole, 56.4% (95% CI 41–70.7) for moxidectin, and 89.7% (95% CI 73.6–96.4) for ivermectin. Faecal flotation results showed a greater than 90% egg reduction in 29.2% (95% CI 19.9–40.5) of dogs treated with oxibendazole, 79.4% (95% CI 63.2–89.7) for moxidectin, and 95% (95% CI 76.4–99.1) for off-label ivermectin. Elimination of ectoparasite infestation was observed at day 7–11 in 69.9% (95% CI 56.7–80.1) of dogs treated with afoxolaner, 80% (95% CI 60.9–91.1) with imidacloprid/flumethrin collars, and 0% (95% CI 0–11.7) for off-label ivermectin. Mixed effects modelling revealed only treatment group to be significantly associated with outcome measures.DiscussionBased on these study results, the poor efficacy of oxibendazole against A. caninum renders it inept for treatment, while ivermectin and moxidectin were suitable. Ivermectin was unsuitable for ectoparasite treatment due to its poor efficacy, while afoxolaner and imidacloprid/flumethrin collars appear suitable.

The purpose of the research is to study the efficacy of Flumethrin-, Moxidectin- and Pyriproxyfen-based spray against Ixodid and Acariform ticks in dogs and cats.Materials and methods. The therapeutic efficacy of a multicomponent spray against Ixodid and Acariform ticks was evaluated in dogs and cats in the Podolsk Experimental Production Base of the VNIIP – FSC VIEV on 140 animals naturally infected with Ixodid and Acariform ticks. The animals were divided into an experimental group and a control group of 10 animals each. The experimental dogs and cats were given the study drug while the control animals were not given the drug. Clinical examinations at ixodidosis in dogs and cats were performed at 24 and 48 hours, and at 3 and 5 days after the start of the experiment. In Acariformes parasitism, a control examination and microscopy of deep skin scrapings taken at the healthy and affected skin interface were made using a scalpel at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after the start of the experiment, in treatment of sarcoptic mange, notoedric mange and demodicosis as well as scrapings from the auricle (distal part of the acoustic canal) in otodectic mange.Results and discussion. It was found that Flumethrin-, Moxidectin- and Pyriproxyfen-based spray had high therapeutic efficacy when used once, externally, against ixodid tick, and in the auricle twice with a 7-day interval against otodectic mange and externally 2–4 times with a 7-day interval against notoedric mange, sarcoptic mange and demodicosis in various disease forms in dogs and cats.

The purpose of the research is to study the efficacy of a Flumethrin-, Moxidectin and Pyriproxyfen-based spray against entomosis in dogs and cats.Materials and methods. The therapeutic efficacy of the multicomponent spray against entomosis of cats and dogs was evaluated in the Podolsk Experimental Production Base of the VNIIP – FSC VIEV on 100 animals naturally infected with fleas Ctenocephalides spp. (20 cats and 20 dogs), Linognathus setosus (20 dogs), chewing lice Felicola subrostratus (20 cats) and Trichodectes canis (20 dogs). The animals were divided into experimental and control groups of 10 animals each. The experimental dogs and cats were given the drug topically with a bottle pump directed to the skin and fur from 20–25 cm, treating the entire body of the animal at a dose of 3–6 pumps per 1 kg of animal weight, and the control animals were not given the drug. The animals were observed for 60 days after a single dose of the drug; clinical examination was performed before and at 24, 48 hours and 5, 30 and 60 days after the start of the experiment.Results and discussion. The examination of the skin and coat of some experimental animals infected with ectoparasites found single ectoparasite imago at 24 hours after treatment. At 48 hours and on day 5, 30 and 60 of the experiment, all animals treated once with the drug were free from ectoparasites, which was evidenced by clinical studies. The study results showed that the study drug had high therapeutic efficacy against ctenocephalidosis, linognathosis, and trichodectosis in dogs and cats.

The study explores the relationship between flumethrin resistance and Anaplasma marginale infection in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus of cattle in South Gujarat, India. Adult Immersion Test (AIT) was used to assess flumethrin resistance and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm A. marginale infection. Species-specific PCR resulted in the amplification of 576 bp of msp5 gene of A. marginale in 17.69% (49/277) groups of ticks, and subsequent digestion with EcoRI cleaved it into two distinct segments. Navsari district, noted level Ι resistance [resistance factors (RF) = 1.78–3.34], and A. marginale prevalence was 16.67, 15.38, 23.08, 15.38, and 11.76% in Navsari, Jalalpore, Gandevi, Chikhli, and Vansda sub-districts, respectively. Similarly, Vyara and Dolvan sub-districts of Tapi observed level Ι resistance (RF = 1-3.63), with A. marginale positivity of 21.43 and 22.22%, while Valod and Songhad demonstrated susceptibility, with 14.29 and 12.50% of A. marginale, respectively. Moving to Surat, the Mahuva, Bardoli, Mandvi, Palsana, and Kamrej sub-districts observed the level Ι resistance (RF = 1.94–2.89), coupled with 14.29, 17.65, 20, 20, and 21.43% of A. marginale, respectively. Lastly, in Valsad district, Dharampur, Kaparada, Valsad, and Umbergaon noted level Ι resistance (RF = 1.67–1.81), and corresponding A. marginale positivity rates of 18.18, 19.23, 15.00, and 20.00%. The scatter plot unveiled a significant moderate positive correlation between RF and A. marginale positivity% (p = 0.0362), characterized by a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.4963. The covariance (1.1814) highlighted fluctuations, while the coefficient of determination (r2) (0.2463) clarified that 24.63% of the variability in A. marginale positivity% could be attributed to the RF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research is to study the efficacy of the drug in the form of spray based on Fipronil, Moxidectin and Pyriproxyfen against canine acarosis.Materials and methods. The assessment of the acaricidal effect of multicomponent drug against canine acarosis was carried out on the basis of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (VNIIP), a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution FSC VIEV RAS, as well as the veterinary clinic GLOBALVET CLINIC LLC (Moscow) in 2020–2022. 82 dogs were used in the experiments, including those spontaneously infected with Otodectes cynotis (38 sp.), Sarcoptes canis (28 sp.), and Demodex canis (16 sp.). The animals were divided into experimental and control groups. To the infected animals of the experimental groups, the drug was applied in the form of spray to the affected areas of the body at the rate of 1 ml per 10 cm2, 2–4 times with an interval of 7 days. The dogs in the control group were treated at the end of the experiment. The efficacy of the drug was taken into account by examining and recording the number of ticks in animals before and 3, 11, 25, 40 and 60 days after treatment. The results were processed statistically using Microsoft Excel.Results and discussion. On the 11th day, all animals showed extinction of clinical signs, healing of affected skin areas and scratches, and the appearance of new hair in areas of alopecia; microscopy of scrapings revealed single mites, deformed larvae and eggs. Microscopy of skin scrapings on the 25th day revealed single mites in 5 dogs affected by demodicosis. On the 40th day, upon examination and acarological examination of animal skin scrapings, no S. canis, O. cynotis and D. canis mites were found. The research results showed 100% efficacy of the drug.

Objectives: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are now well known as antioxidants that have been linked to a relief of oxidative stress induced by several xenobiotics. The objective of this research was to assess the efficacy of ZnO-NPs against flumethrin-induced hepatorenal toxicity in adult male albino rats. Methods: X-ray diffraction was used to characterize ZnO-NPs produced by the grinding ball milling technique. Forty adult male albino rats were separated into four equal groups: the control negative group, which received vehicle (saline); the control positive group, which received flumethrin (10mg/kg body weight); the ZnO-NPs group (15 mg/kg body weight); and the fourth group, which received both flumethrin and ZnO-NPs. The drugs were given orally by using stomach gavage once daily for 60 days. Blood, serum, liver and kidney tissue samples were taken for further analysis. Results: Significant adverse effects of flumethrin include decreased serum levels of total antioxidant capacity, reduced liver and kidney functions and an abnormal histological changes of both the liver and kidney. Lower gene expression patterns and down-regulations for TNF-α and IL-1B in both liver and kidney supported these results. The adverse effects of flumethrin were alleviated in ZnO-NPs/flumethrin-treated group. Conclusion: ZnO-NPs are ideal candidates for reducing the oxidative stress caused by flumethrin at the serum and genomic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Adult, nymph, and larval Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato infest dogs and thrive in premises including homes and kennels. Ticks emerge from hiding to seek and attach to dogs, engorge, then leave their hosts to hide then molt or oviposit. This study evaluated the effect of either external or systemic canine treatment on R. sanguineus s.l. populations in premises. Methods Thirty-two dogs in eight kennels were divided into three groups; one group (eight dogs in two kennels) served as untreated controls; one group (12 dogs in three kennels) received oral fluralaner (25–56 mg/kg); and one group (12 dogs in three kennels) received topical flumethrin/imidacloprid impregnated collars. Treatments were administered once on day 0. Prior to treatment, R. sanguineus s.l. infestations were established in kennels holding dogs, by placing ticks every 2 weeks from day −84 through day −14. Kennel surfaces (walls and floors) were smooth except for uniform “hideouts” to permit precise off-host tick counting. Results Control dog kennel mean tick counts (all life stages) increased from 737 ticks/kennel at day −7 to 2213 at day 63 when all control kennel dogs were acaricide-treated as a humane endpoint. Kennels housing dogs subsequently treated with systemic fluralaner had a mean of 637 counted ticks/kennel on study day −7 (7 days before treatment). One fluralaner treatment eliminated all premises ticks (100% reduction) by day 70, and these kennels remained tick-free through study completion (day 84). Kennels housing dogs subsequently treated with an external imidacloprid/flumethrin collar had a mean of 614 counted ticks/kennel at study day −7. Collar treatment reduced counts by 90% on day 63, with kennel tick counts climbing after this and ending the study with a 75% reduction. Systemic fluralaner treatment was significantly (P = 0.003) more effective at reducing engorged adult female tick counts than external imidacloprid/flumethrin treatment. Conclusions Fluralaner treatment eliminated off-host R. sanguineus life stages in infested kennels by day 70 following treatment and was significantly more effective than imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treatment in reducing the premises population of engorged female ticks. Imidacloprid/flumethrin treatment did not eliminate premises tick populations, with populations increasing before the study end. Graphical Abstract

Background: Adult, nymph, and larval Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato infest dogs and thrive in premises including homes and kennels. Ticks emerge from hiding to seek and attach to dogs, engorge, then leave their hosts to hide then molt or oviposit. This study evaluated the effect of either external or systemic canine treatment on R. sanguineus s.l. populations in premises. Methods: Thirty-two dogs in eight kennels were divided into three groups; one group (eight dogs in two kennels) served as untreated controls; one group (12 dogs in three kennels) received oral fluralaner (25–56 mg/kg); and one group (12 dogs in three kennels) received topical flumethrin/imidacloprid impregnated collars. Treatments were administered once on day 0. Prior to treatment, R. sanguineus s.l. infestations were established in kennels holding dogs, by placing ticks every 2 weeks from day −84 through day −14. Kennel surfaces (walls and floors) were smooth except for uniform "hideouts" to permit precise off-host tick counting. Results: Control dog kennel mean tick counts (all life stages) increased from 737 ticks/kennel at day −7 to 2213 at day 63 when all control kennel dogs were acaricide-treated as a humane endpoint. Kennels housing dogs subsequently treated with systemic fluralaner had a mean of 637 counted ticks/kennel on study day −7 (7 days before treatment). One fluralaner treatment eliminated all premises ticks (100% reduction) by day 70, and these kennels remained tick-free through study completion (day 84). Kennels housing dogs subsequently treated with an external imidacloprid/flumethrin collar had a mean of 614 counted ticks/kennel at study day −7. Collar treatment reduced counts by 90% on day 63, with kennel tick counts climbing after this and ending the study with a 75% reduction. Systemic fluralaner treatment was significantly (P = 0.003) more effective at reducing engorged adult female tick counts than external imidacloprid/flumethrin treatment. Conclusions: Fluralaner treatment eliminated off-host R. sanguineus life stages in infested kennels by day 70 following treatment and was significantly more effective than imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treatment in reducing the premises population of engorged female ticks. Imidacloprid/flumethrin treatment did not eliminate premises tick populations, with populations increasing before the study end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The objective of this field study was to assess the effect of treating a considerable portion of a dog population naturally exposed to canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) in endemic areas with a 10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin collar (Seresto®) on the transmission of CVBPs and the resulting incidence of infection. Methods A total of 479 dogs from two sites were enrolled in the study. Collars were placed on all dogs continuously for 21 months, with replacement of the collar every 7 months. All dogs were examined, including body weight and blood/conjunctival swab collections, every 7 months. Serum samples were analysed for the presence of antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. PCR assays were also performed on blood samples and conjunctival swab collected from the dogs for the presence of L. infantum, and on blood samples only for the presence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Sand flies were collected, identified to species level and molecularly tested for L. infantum throughout two vector activity seasons. Results The results showed that the Seresto collar was safe with continuous use. At study inclusion, 419, 370 and 453 dogs tested negative for L. infantum, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., respectively (353 dogs tested negative for any pathogen). Overall, 90.2% of the dogs were protected from L. infantum infection on both sites combined. The entomological survey confirmed the presence of competent vectors of L. infantum at all monitored locations, namely the sand flies Phlebotomus neglectus and Phlebotomus tobbi, both of which are regarded as the most important competent vectors in the Mediterranean basin. All captured sand flies tested negative for L. infantum. Protection against ticks and fleas was high, with only two dogs showing a low number of ticks and seven dogs having low numbers of fleas at single evaluation time points. Across the entire study population, a number of dogs became infected with tick-transmitted pathogens, but prevention of transmission was 93% for E. canis and 87.2% for Anaplasma spp. when all cases from both sites were combined. Conclusions The Seresto® (10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin) collar significantly reduced the risk of CVBP transmission when compared to previously observed incidences of CVBP infections in two highly endemic areas under field conditions. Graphical Abstract

Background: The objective of this field study was to assess the effect of treating a considerable portion of a dog population naturally exposed to canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) in endemic areas with a 10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin collar (Seresto®) on the transmission of CVBPs and the resulting incidence of infection. Methods: A total of 479 dogs from two sites were enrolled in the study. Collars were placed on all dogs continuously for 21 months, with replacement of the collar every 7 months. All dogs were examined, including body weight and blood/conjunctival swab collections, every 7 months. Serum samples were analysed for the presence of antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. PCR assays were also performed on blood samples and conjunctival swab collected from the dogs for the presence of L. infantum, and on blood samples only for the presence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Sand flies were collected, identified to species level and molecularly tested for L. infantum throughout two vector activity seasons. Results: The results showed that the Seresto collar was safe with continuous use. At study inclusion, 419, 370 and 453 dogs tested negative for L. infantum, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., respectively (353 dogs tested negative for any pathogen). Overall, 90.2% of the dogs were protected from L. infantum infection on both sites combined. The entomological survey confirmed the presence of competent vectors of L. infantum at all monitored locations, namely the sand flies Phlebotomus neglectus and Phlebotomus tobbi, both of which are regarded as the most important competent vectors in the Mediterranean basin. All captured sand flies tested negative for L. infantum. Protection against ticks and fleas was high, with only two dogs showing a low number of ticks and seven dogs having low numbers of fleas at single evaluation time points. Across the entire study population, a number of dogs became infected with tick-transmitted pathogens, but prevention of transmission was 93% for E. canis and 87.2% for Anaplasma spp. when all cases from both sites were combined. Conclusions: The Seresto® (10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin) collar significantly reduced the risk of CVBP transmission when compared to previously observed incidences of CVBP infections in two highly endemic areas under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusual buffalo fly (Haematobia exigua) menace was recorded in the swine unit, having four male and 14 female large white Yorkshire varieties at a livestock farm complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, in December 2022. The fly-infested animals had erythematic lesions on the sides of the lower and ventral abdomen, and the udder in pregnant sows, besides animals, showed restlessness. The fly intensity monitored by the filming method revealed an average of 61 numbers. The larvae of H. exigua were recovered from the dung sample collected from the piggery shed. All the animals were treated with Flumethrin (1%) poured on by applying on the dorsal side of the body from head to base of the tail and monitored for 3 days. The fly population was reduced to zero within 30 min of the application of the insecticide, and the lesions associated with fly bites healed after 15 days. The residual effect of the pyrethroid was observed up to 3 months after application by the absence of reinfestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks are reported on dogs from an increasing geographic range. This study aimed to determine the sustained efficacy of Seresto® collars (imidacloprid/flumethrin) against experimental infestations of H. longicornis in dogs. Methods Twenty-four Beagle dogs previously assessed for their suitability to harbor ticks were included in the study and randomized into three groups of eight dogs each. Two of the groups were treated with collars at different time points: at the first tick infestation, dogs in group 1 had already worn collars for 92 days, while dogs in group 2 had received collars only on the previous day, thus allowing evaluation of two different treatment durations at the same point in time. Infestation of the treated groups was conducted at 1, 7, 28, and 56 days (group 2) and 92, 119, 147, 168, 196, 227, and 238 days (group 1) after collar placement. Group 3 served as untreated control and was infested whenever the dogs of the other two groups were infested. Infestations were conducted using 50 viable, adult, unfed female ticks of a US isolate of H. longicornis per dog. Ticks were removed and counted 48 h after each infestation. Health and body weight of the dogs were monitored throughout the study. The efficacy against ticks was calculated for groups 1 and 2 based on arithmetic mean values at each assessment day according to Abbott’s formula. The mean post-treatment H. longicornis tick counts were compared statistically between treatments, using an analysis of variance with a treatment effect untransformed tick count. Results Dogs in the control group were adequately infested at all tick counts. Efficacy was 88.2% on day 3, however well above 90% (i.e., 98.3 to 100%) at all other time points up to day 240. Statistical analysis confirmed significantly different live tick counts (P

Flumethrin is a widely used acaricide, but its improper use often leads to residue accumulation in honeybee colonies, thus threatening the health of honeybees, especially at the larval stage. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the direct toxicity of flumethrin on honeybee (Apis mellifera) larvae by conducting bioassays for immune and detoxification-related enzymes and transcriptome sequencing to determine the potential effects on newly emerged adults who were exposed to flumethrin during the larval stage. Results showed that the higher the concentration of flumethrin the honeybee larvae were exposed to, the greater the damage to the physiology of honeybee larvae and the newly emerged worker bees. When honeybee larvae were exposed to flumethrin concentrations higher than 0.01 mg/L, the activities of glutathione sulfur transferase and carboxylesterase were affected, and the metabolism-related genes in the head of newly emerged honeybees exposed to flumethrin during the larval stage were down-regulated. Flumethrin concentration higher than 0.1 mg/L significantly increased mixed-functional oxidase content in honeybee larvae, reduced the larval survival rate, and down-regulated the expression levels of olfactory-related and antioxidant-related genes in newly emerged honeybees. Furthermore, a flumethrin concentration of 1 mg/L significantly down-regulated the expression levels of immune and detoxification-related genes in newly emerged honeybees. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the response of honeybee larvae to sublethal flumethrin toxicity and could be used to further investigate the complex molecular mechanisms in honeybees under pesticide stress.

The Leishmania infantum (synonym, Leishmania chagasi) causes life‐threatening infection, namely canine leishmaniosis (CanL), which is a chronic zoonosis prevalent in various countries and spread by the bite of the infected Lutzomyia female sandfly in South America. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a polymer matrix collar containing made up of 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin for the prevention of canine leishmaniosis from the hyperendemic region falling under Araçatuba municipality (Brazil). The research included a total of 146 dogs chosen from 75 households. Test were initiated via physical examination; weighing and biological sample collection (blood, popliteal lymph node and conjunctival swab) of these dogs were done in March 2018 (Day 0; GA, control = 69, GB, treated = 77) to initiate laboratory tests. Post‐inclusion, the animals were monitored on the 120th, 240th, 360th and 480th days, respectively. The usage of collars continued between 0 and 480 days before being substituted in second (D240) and fourth (D480) follow‐up visits. On the whole, 25 dogs in GA (36.2%) and three in GB (3.9%) were found positive for L. infantum infection in a minimum of one diagnostic test used in the research. Therefore, the average collar effectiveness for protection from L. infantum infection was 89.2% (p <.01). In the last follow‐up, the average incidence density rate for GA was 30.7%, whereas for GB, it was 2.9%. The imidacloprid/flumethrin collars evaluated in the research were found to be safe and extremely efficient for the prevention of L. infantum infection through Lutzomyia species among the large population of dogs in highly prone endemic regions. This is a dependable and efficient technique aimed at reducing the occurrence and propagation of this illness among the population of canines, which would eventually reduce the human‐health‐related hazards. In Brazil, Lutzomyia spp. is a leading vector of the infection; thus, the collar can be used to limit infection in dogs and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flumethrin and tau-fluvalinate pyrethroid insecticides were determined in natural water using photochemically induced fluorescence (PIF). As these pesticides are not naturally fluorescent, PIF using ultraviolet irradiation was employed to produce highly fluorescent derivatives. This method was optimized for irradiation interval, solvent and pH. The calibration curves were linear with limits of detection (LOD) from 0.5 to 73.8 ng mL−1 without matrix effects. Applications were carried out in aqueous solutions on tap water, seawater, well water and river water from Niayes, Senegal and the Brest, France using solid phase extraction and standard addition procedures. The samples were analyzed with mean recoveries between 99.0 and 109.0%. The analytical performances of these systems were favorable compared with published photoinduced fluorescence methods for the determination of pyrethroids. The results show that the developed PIF method is suitable for the determination of trace organic pollutants in natural waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of parasiticides are commercially available as companion animal treatments to protect against parasite infestation and are sold in large volumes. These treatments are not intended to enter the wider environment but may be washed off or excreted by treated animals and have ecotoxic impacts. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the existing evidence for the toxicity of the six most used parasiticides in the UK: imidacloprid, fipronil, fluralaner, afoxolaner, selamectin, and flumethrin. A total of 17,207 published articles were screened, with 690 included in the final evidence synthesis. All parasiticides displayed higher toxicity towards invertebrates than vertebrates, enabling their use as companion animal treatments. Extensive evidence exists of ecotoxicity for imidacloprid and fipronil, but this focuses on exposure via agricultural use and is not representative of environmental exposure that results from use in companion animal treatments, especially in urban greenspace. Little to no evidence exists for the ecotoxicity of the remaining parasiticides. Despite heavy usage, there is currently insufficient evidence to understand the environmental risk posed by these veterinary treatments and further studies are urgently needed to quantify the levels and characterise the routes of environmental exposure, as well as identifying any resulting environmental harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks are reported on dogs from an increasing geographic range. This study aimed to determine the sustained efficacy of Seresto® collars (imidacloprid/flumethrin) against experimental infestations of H. longicornis in dogs. Methods: Twenty-four Beagle dogs previously assessed for their suitability to harbor ticks were included in the study and randomized into three groups of eight dogs each. Two of the groups were treated with collars at different time points: at the first tick infestation, dogs in group 1 had already worn collars for 92 days, while dogs in group 2 had received collars only on the previous day, thus allowing evaluation of two different treatment durations at the same point in time. Infestation of the treated groups was conducted at 1, 7, 28, and 56 days (group 2) and 92, 119, 147, 168, 196, 227, and 238 days (group 1) after collar placement. Group 3 served as untreated control and was infested whenever the dogs of the other two groups were infested. Infestations were conducted using 50 viable, adult, unfed female ticks of a US isolate of H. longicornis per dog. Ticks were removed and counted 48 h after each infestation. Health and body weight of the dogs were monitored throughout the study. The efficacy against ticks was calculated for groups 1 and 2 based on arithmetic mean values at each assessment day according to Abbott's formula. The mean post-treatment H. longicornis tick counts were compared statistically between treatments, using an analysis of variance with a treatment effect untransformed tick count. Results: Dogs in the control group were adequately infested at all tick counts. Efficacy was 88.2% on day 3, however well above 90% (i.e., 98.3 to 100%) at all other time points up to day 240. Statistical analysis confirmed significantly different live tick counts (P < 0.001) between the treated groups and the control group at all time points. Conclusions: The 8-month sustained acaricidal efficacy demonstrated by the Seresto® collar (imidacloprid/flumethrin) provides a reliable strategy against H. longicornis infestations in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the repellency and efficacy of a 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin (Seresto®, Elanco) collar over an 8‐month period against the eastern paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) on cats. Methods: Two non‐blinded, open gender, randomised, placebo‐controlled pen studies were conducted, with 26 cats enrolled in each study. Prior to inclusion, cats were immunised with I. holocyclus holocyclotoxin. Cats were treated on Day 0 with either an imidacloprid/flumethrin or placebo collar. Tick infestations with 20 unfed adult female eastern paralysis ticks commenced on Day 7, and were repeated monthly for 8 months. Repellency was determined by comparing the mean number of attached ticks on imidacloprid/flumethrin treated cats, to placebo collar treated cats at 6 and 24 h post infestation. Efficacy was determined by comparing the mean number of live ticks on imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treated cats to placebo collar treated cats at 72 h post infestation. Results: Efficacy was 100% (P < 0.001) at 72 h, and repellency was greater than 96% (P < 0.001) at 24 h for every tick challenge in each of the two studies, from Day 7 to the final infestation at 8 months for imidacloprid/flumethrin collar treated cats. Conclusions: In two pen studies, an imidacloprid/flumethrin collar controlled and repelled the eastern paralysis tick (I. holocyclus) on cats for 8‐months. The marked repellency effect in addition to controlling tick paralysis would be beneficial in preventing tick bites and their sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrethroids are neurotoxicants for animals, showing a pattern of toxic action on the nervous system. Flumethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is used against ectoparasites in domestic animals, plants, and for public health. This compound has been shown to be highly toxic to bees, while its effects on other animals have been less investigated. However, in vitro studies to evaluate cytotoxicity are scarce, and the mechanisms associated with this effect at the molecular level are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress and cell death induction in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in response to flumethrin exposure (1–1000 µM). Flumethrin induced a significant cytotoxic effect, as evaluated by MTT and LDH leakage assays, and produced an increase in the biomarkers of oxidative stress as reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (ROS and NO) generation, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and caspase-3 activity. In addition, flumethrin significantly increased apoptosis-related gene expressions (Bax, Casp-3, BNIP3, APAF1, and AKT1) and oxidative stress and antioxidative (NFκB and SOD2) mediators. The results demonstrated, by biochemical and gene expression assays, that flumethrin induces oxidative stress and apoptosis, which could cause DNA damage. Detailed knowledge obtained about these molecular changes could provide the basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of flumethrin-induced neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cattle and buffalo farm practices have been adopted differently by farmers in India but the infestation of ectoparasites including louse has been advocated in high population of animals across the country. The aim of this study was to identify the louse morphologically and determine the in vitro efficacy of the insecticides deltamethrin, cypermethrin and flumethrin against the buffalo louse, Haematopinus tuberculatus. The present research work was conducted using lice collected from organized buffalo dairy farms of Mhow block, Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The adult’s lice were collected from heavily infested regions of the body and tail of buffaloes. Some of the collected adult’s lice were preserved for morphological identification in 70% alcohol. Briefly, in vitro treated surface bioassay utilizing a cloth rectangle that allows lice to move freely has been used. The concentrations were prepared as 30, 60, 90 and 120 ppm for deltamethrin and flumethrin, whereas for cypermethrin, 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm concentrations were prepared in distilled water. The 600 μl of each concentration was spread evenly over a cloth rectangle held in the bottom of a Petri plate. Ten adult lice were used for each concentration in triplicate (n = 30) and the same is maintained for control. The vitality of the louse was assessed at various intervals: 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min. The lousicidal efficacy was determined by using in vitro bioassays with deltamethrin, cypermethrin and flumethrin. It is observed that as the concentration of insecticides increases with exposure time, mortality of lice is also increased. The current study reveals that cypermethrin and flumethrin were effective in their recommended doses but in the case of deltamethrin, the lice showed a low level of resistance. Furthermore, this type of study on buffalo louse has not conducted in Mhow region of Madhya Pradesh where heavy infestation of lice occurs on buffalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrethroid pesticides are frequently used for household insect control of insects and in agriculture and livestock. Flumethrin is a pyrethroid that is used against ectoparasites in many animals. The goal of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, apoptotic, genotoxic, and estrogenic effects of flumethrin on the mammalian breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Compared with control groups, a dose-dependent decrease was observed in cell viability at concentrations of 100 µM and higher. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects detected by LDH assay and AO/EtBr staining increased significantly at a concentration of 1000 µM. The expression of BCL2, which is an anti-apoptotic gene, significantly decreased, whereas BAX, TP53, and P21 expression significantly increased. The results of a comet assay indicated that flumethrin significantly changed tail length, tail % DNA, tail moment, and Olive tail moment in concentrations above 1 and 10 µM. In addition, a 0.1 µM concentration of flumethrin affected ERα receptor mediated cell proliferation and increased transcription of estrogen-responsive pS2 (TFF1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) genes. As a result, flumethrin-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity at a high concentration, while induced genotoxicity even at lower concentrations. Flumethrin is an endocrine disrupting insecticide with estrogenic effects at very low concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spinose ear tick Otobius megnini is a causative agent of otoacariasis in horses and jockeys in the Nuwara Eliya racecourses. The present study aimed at investigating the status of acaricide resistance and underlying mechanisms in this tick species under laboratory conditions. Live ticks collected from the ear canal of horses were used to establish a laboratory colony. Larval bioassays were carried out with an organophosphate (malathion), pyrethroids (flumethrin and permethrin), and an organochlorine (DDT) using Larval Packet Tests (LPT). The LC50 (24 h) values for malathion, flumethrin, permethrin and DDT were recorded as 0.11%, 0.0003%, 0.008% and 0.124%, respectively, and the respective values for LC90 were 0.722%, 0.004%, 0.300% and 3.049%. Biochemical assays revealed that the mean specific activity levels of esterase, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and monooxygenase amounts were 0.064 ± 0.008 μmol min-1 mg-1, 0.104 ± 0.050 μmol min-1 mg-1, and 0.068 ± 0.020 equivalent units of cytochrome P450, respectively. The percentage remaining activity of the propoxur-inhibited Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was 33.88 ± 13.60%. Our data indicated that the O. megnini population of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka was most susceptible to flumethrin and showed resistance to DDT. Development of resistance to malathion through increased activity of esterase and insensitive AChEs was evident. Since the activities of monooxygenases and GSTs were not enhanced, permethrin and DDT resistance may have developed through target site insensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an imidacloprid 10% and flumethrin 4.5% polymer matrix collar against the developmental stages of Haemaphysalis longicornis infesting dogs using the hair from treated dogs in a semi-in-vitro assay set. When incubated with 0.5 g of the hair collected from the dogs installed with the drug-embedded collar after 10 days, average death rate of the larval, nymphal, and adult H. longicornis was 21.5%, 77.9%, and 100% at 30 min, 1 hr, and 2 hr, respectively. This study showed the larval stages as well as the nymphal and adult stages of H. longicornis ticks are killed upon contact with the hair from dogs treated with the collar within 2 hr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managed honey bees have suffered severe seasonal losses for most of the past 30 years, while at the same time there is a growing need for food crop pollination. Parasitism by Varroa destructor plays a key role in explaining these losses as this parasite directly damages honey bees by feeding on them and by vectoring an array of viruses while doing so. Pyrethroids like tau-fluvalinate and flumethrin are among the few acaricides that may control Varroa mites in honey bee colonies. However, their intensive use has led to the evolution of resistance in many locations. Knockdown resistance (kdr-type) in Varroa destructor is associated with point mutations that change the amino acid at position 925 in the para-type voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) from leucine to valine, methionine or isoleucine. In order to assess the evolution of resistant mutations, we genotyped a region of the VGSC from V. destructor samples collected worldwide. Our phylogenetic analysis supports the hypothesis of independent origin for resistant alleles in Europe and the USA, and a close relation between L925M and L925I alleles. Our data also suggest that uncontrolled trading of parasitised honey bees might be an important route for spreading resistant alleles overseas. The substitution M918L, associated with pyrethroid resistance in other species, is reported here for the first time in V. destructor, in conjunction with L925V in mites from Spain. The implications of these evolutionary and dispersal processes for Varroa mite management are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flumethrin has been supplied as an acaricide for Varroa mite control in world-wide apiculture due to its low lethal effects on honey bees. However, little is known about the effects of short-term flumethrin exposure in the larval stage on adult life stage of bees involving survival status, foraging and memory-related behaviors. Here, we found that exposure to flumethrin at 1 mg/L during larval stage reduced survival and altered foraging activities including induced precocious foraging activity, decreased foraging trips and time, and altered rotating day-off status of adult worker bees using the radio frequency identification system. Furthermore, larval exposure at 1 mg/L flumethrin influenced the correct proboscis extension responses of 7-day-old worker bees and decreased homing rates of 20-day-old worker bees, suggesting that 1 mg/L flumethrin exposure at larval stage could affect memory-related behaviors of adult bees; meanwhile, three genes related to memory (GluRA , Nmdar1 and Tyr1) were certainly down-regulated varying different flumethrin concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/L). Combined with transcriptomic sequencing, differentially expressed genes involved in olfactory memory of adult bees were completely down-regulated under flumethrin exposure. Our findings highlight the unprecedented impact of short-term exposure of insecticides on honey bees in long-term health monitoring under field conditions. [Display omitted] • The larval flumethrin exposure at 1 mg/L reduced survival and disturbed foraging activity of adult worker bees. • Exposure to flumethrin at larval stage impaired memory behaviors and related gene expression of adult worker bees. • RNA-Seq analysis revealed comprehensive downregulation of DEGs involved in learning and memory. • Enrichment analysis showed disordered metabolic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background An imidacloprid/flumethrin collar (Seresto®) was previously shown to prevent infection with Babesia canis, transmitted by Dermacentor reticulatus, in dogs for up to 1 month after application. The present study evaluated the prevention of transmission throughout the claimed efficacy period of 8 months. Methods Eight animals each were randomly included in groups 1 (negative control) and 2 (Seresto® collar), respectively. Animals in group 2 received the Seresto® collar on Day 0. Tick challenges were performed monthly from the 2nd to the 8th month. Assessment criteria included in situ tick counts 48 hours post-challenge, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses and immunofluorescence assays (IFA). Whenever dogs were diagnosed with babesiosis they were “rescue-treated”, excluded and replaced. Consequently, 24 replacement animals were introduced at various time points throughout the study in the control group; thus data for a total of 32 dogs were available in the latter group at study termination. Results Acaricidal efficacy for in situ counts was 93% on Day 30, and ranged from 97 to 100% thereafter. No B. canis specific DNA or antibodies were detected in any Seresto®-treated dog at any time. Babesia canis-specific DNA and antibodies were detected in 2–6 of 8 control dogs after each challenge, confirming the validity of the challenge model. Conclusions The Seresto® collar was highly effective against challenges with D. reticulatus ticks for up to 8 months. The high sustained acaricidal efficacy over this period prevented transmission of B. canis, thus fully protecting dogs against infection in this experimental infestation model.

Synthetic pyrethroid pesticides are widely used in animal husbandry and agriculture in Egypt. Excessive use of these pesticide lead to their accumulation in foods of animal's origin and cause health problems. Therefore, this study was conducted to detect the concentrations of some synthetic pyrethroids by HPLC in raw cow and buffalo's milk samples collected from different local markets and farms at Damanhour, El-Behira governorate, Egypt. The obtained results revealed that Flumethrin, Deltamethrin, Cyhalothrin and Cypermethrin were detected at incidence rate of 17.5 & 22.5; 25& 32.5; 15& 20 and 10 & 12.5% with a mean value of 36.14 ± 7.03 & 41.80 ± 7.91; 40.06 ± 8.71 & 52.70 ± 11.27; 24.65 ± 6.64 & 42.03 ± 8.25 and 89.27 ± 36.51& 121.58 ± 36.95 ppb, in cow and buffalo's milk, respectively. a-cypermethrin could not be detected in any examined raw milk samples. Positive samples for synthetic pyrethroids residues compared with maximum residual limits established by international standards to detect samples below or above these limits. From the results in this study, farm milk was contaminated more than market's milk which might be explained by presence of milk farms nearest to rural area where these synthetic pyrethroids are highly applied. This study would illustrate the risks of presence of synthetic pyrethroids residues in raw milk that threaten consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrethroids are neurotoxicants for animals, showing a pattern of toxic action on the nervous system. Flumethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is used against ectoparasites in domestic animals, plants, and for public health. This compound has been shown to be highly toxic to bees, while its effects on other animals have been less investigated. However, in vitro studies to evaluate cytotoxicity are scarce, and the mechanisms associated with this effect at the molecular level are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress and cell death induction in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in response to flumethrin exposure (1–1000 µM). Flumethrin induced a significant cytotoxic effect, as evaluated by MTT and LDH leakage assays, and produced an increase in the biomarkers of oxidative stress as reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (ROS and NO) generation, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and caspase-3 activity. In addition, flumethrin significantly increased apoptosis-related gene expressions (Bax, Casp-3, BNIP3, APAF1, and AKT1) and oxidative stress and antioxidative (NFκB and SOD2) mediators. The results demonstrated, by biochemical and gene expression assays, that flumethrin induces oxidative stress and apoptosis, which could cause DNA damage. Detailed knowledge obtained about these molecular changes could provide the basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of flumethrin-induced neurotoxicity.

Abstract Background Haemaphysalis longicornis is a tick of importance to health, as it serves as a vector of several pathogens, including Theileria orientalis, Babesia ovata, Rickettsia japonica and the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Presently, the major method of control for this tick is the use of chemical acaricides. The glutathione S-transferase (GST) system is one mechanism through which the tick metabolizes these acaricides. Two GSTs from H. longicornis (HlGST and HlGST2) have been previously identified. Results Enzyme kinetic studies were performed to determine the interaction of acaricides with recombinant H. longicornis GSTs. Recombinant HlGST activity was inhibited by flumethrin and cypermethrin, while recombinant HlGST2 activity was inhibited by chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin. Using real-time RT-PCR, the upregulation of the HlGST gene was observed upon exposure to sublethal doses of flumethrin, while the HlGST2 gene was upregulated when exposed to sublethal doses of chlorpyrifos. Sex and strain dependencies in the induction of GST gene expression by flumethrin were also observed. Knockdown of the HlGST gene resulted in the increased susceptibility of larvae and adult male ticks to sublethal doses of flumethrin and the susceptibility of larvae against sublethal doses of chlorpyrifos was increased upon knockdown of HlGST2. Conclusions HlGST could be vital for the metabolism of flumethrin in larvae and adult male ticks, while HlGST2 is important in the detoxification of chlorpyrifos in larval ticks.

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is amongst the most serious problems of honey bees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) around the world including Pakistan. The present study estimates the mite density through powdered sugar roll method and evaluates the effectiveness of five miticides (fluvalinate, flumethrin, amitraz, formic acid, and oxalic acid) on A. mellifera colonies in German modified beehives. The results indicated that by treating the bees with one strip and two strips of fluvalinate per colony; the mite population remained below the economic threshold level (ETL) for 14 days and 25 days, respectively. Treatment of flumthrin @1 strip and @ 2 strips per colony resulted in mite population suppressed for 14 days and 39 days, respectively below ETL. Application of Amitraz @ 2 mL per 1.5 L water after every three days interval on sealed brood effectively controlled mites below ETL for 21 days. Formic acid @10 mL per colony applied through plastic applicator proved effective (below 3 mites per bee sample) for 24 days and oxalic acid applied through shop towel method resulted in mite population control for fifteen days. Use of powdered sugar roll method for easy sampling of Varroa mites and application of acaricides on precise economic threshold level during different seasons of the year for integrated management of Varroa mite is hereby advocated by current studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is one of the most important vector-borne diseases affecting animals and humans worldwide. Dogs are considered main reservoirs of the zoonotic forms, though in the last years the role of cats as reservoirs has been increasingly investigated. Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) occurs in endemic areas and no specific preventive measures have been investigated so far. In this study the efficacy of a 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin polymer matrix collar, licensed for tick and flea prevention, has been assessed against FeL in a longitudinal study on 204 privately owned cats from the Aeolian islands (Sicily), an area highly endemic for the disease. From March to May 2015 [Study Day 0 (SD 0)], cats negative for FeL were collared (G1, n = 104) or left untreated (G2, n = 100). Diagnosis consisted of serology and qPCR on blood and conjunctival swabs, which were collected at baseline (SD 0) and at the end of the study (SD 360). Interim clinical examinations were performed on SD 210 (when collars were replaced in G1) and SD 270. Results Of the 159 cats which completed the study, 5 in G1 and 20 in G2 were positive for L. infantum infection, in at least one of the diagnostic tests leading to a yearly crude incidence of 6.3% and 25.0% in G1 and G2, respectively (P = 0.0026). This translates into an efficacy of the collar of 75.0% in preventing feline Leishmania infection. The collar was generally well tolerated with no systemic adverse reactions and few local skin reactions were observed in the application area in four out of 104 treated cats (3.8%). Conclusions The 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin collar significantly reduced the risk of L. infantum infection in cats. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which a preventative strategy against feline Leishmania infection is assessed under natural conditions. These findings close a gap in veterinary medicine, in that they confirm this collar as a tool in reducing the risk of Leishmania infection in cats. Such a preventative tool could contribute to the reduction of the risk of the disease in animal and in human populations when included in integrated leishmaniosis control programmes.

Background: Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and the rare Bartonella koehlerae are zoonotic pathogens, with cats being regarded as the main reservoir hosts. The spread of the infection among cats occurs mainly via fleas and specific preventive measures need to be implemented. The effectiveness of a 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin polymer matrix collar (Seresto®, Bayer Animal Health), registered to prevent flea and tick infestations, in reducing the risk of Bartonella spp. infection in privately owned cats, was assessed in a prospective longitudinal study. Methods: In March-May 2015 [Day 0 (D0)], 204 privately-owned cats from the Aeolian Islands (Sicily) were collared (G1, n = 104) or left as controls (G2, n = 100). The bacteraemia of Bartonella spp. was assessed at enrolment (D0) and study closure (D360) by PCR and DNA sequencing both prior to and after an enrichment step, using Bartonella alpha proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM). Results: A total of 152 cats completed the study with 3 in G1 and 10 in G2 being positive for Bartonella spp. Bartonella henselae genotype I ZF1 (1.35%) and genotype II Fizz/Cal-1 (6.76%) as well as B. clarridgeiae (5.41%) were detected in cats of G2. Bartonella clarridgeiae was the only species detected in G1. Based on the yearly crude incidence of Bartonella spp. infection (i.e. 3.85% in G1 and 13.51% in G2; P = 0.03) the Seresto® collar achieved a preventative efficacy of 71.54%. The incidence of Bartonella spp. infection was more frequent in flea-infested cats (6/33, 18.18%) than in uninfested ones (7/112, 5.88%) (P = 0.036). Conclusions: Cats living in the Aeolian Islands are exposed to B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae. The Seresto® collar provided significant risk reduction against Bartonella spp. infection in outdoor cats under field conditions. Such a preventative tool could be a key contribution for decreasing the risk of Bartonella spp. infection in cats and thus ultimately to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Varroa destructor is one of the major contributors to the significant losses of Western honey bee colonies worldwide. The synthetic pyrethroids tau-fluvalinate and flumethrin were very popular among beekeepers to control levels of parasitism until reports of therapeutic failures increased during the early 1990s. Three different mutations at position 925 of the V. destructor voltage-gated sodium channel have been associated with the resistance to these compounds. Resistant mites collected in the UK and in the Czech Republic showed only a substitution of leucine to valine (L925V), while those collected in the USA carried alternative mutations to isoleucine (L925I) or methionine (L925M). Here, we have used high-throughput genotyping assays to investigate the distribution of resistance mutations across Europe. Our data show that the mutation L925V is present in most of the European countries tested, albeit with an uneven distribution. We also show new evidence for the significant correlation of the mutation with resistance and conclude that it is likely that resistant mites have a reduced fitness. The implications for integrated management of the parasite are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bees are natural pollinators, which are able to pollinate most flowers in the world. The serious problem of bee population is an external parasite mite Varroa destructor that causes many viral and bacterial diseases of bees like American foulbrood, European foulbrood or black queen cell virus. It is very important to find a safe and effective treatment against Varroa destructor. There are several methods to fight the parasite, one often used is to remove capped drone brood. Another method is to use various chemical compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of five commonly applied commercial products: flumethrin, coumaphos, amitraz, formic acid and thymol. According to the obtained results, the effectiveness of these compounds was about 90%, 82%, 91%, 57% and 56%, respectively. Fumigation with amitraz turned out to be the quickest and the most effective method to fight against Varroa. All treatment were carried out in private apiaries located in north-eastern Poland, in Podlaskie Voivodeship. Every chemical compound was tested on six bee colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cats that have outdoor access are highly exposed to ticks, fleas, mites and flying insects, though the risk to become infested by arthropods is less perceived in cats than in dogs. This has resulted in fewer treatment and prevention options being available for cats than for dogs. A collar containing a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin (Seresto ® , Bayer Animal Health) is available for cats and licensed with claims against ticks and fleas for 7–8 months. Following the assessment of the efficacy of the collar against Leishmania infantum infection in privately owned cats living in the Aeolian archipelago, herein we report the efficacy of the collar in the treatment and prevention of tick and flea infestations in the same population of cats over a period of one year of observation. At the inclusion day (Study Day 0, SD 0), cats were visited and examined for ectoparasites ( i.e ., flea combing and tick thumb counts) and allocated to group 1 (G1; n = 104; cats treated with Seresto ® collar) or group 2 (G2; n = 100; untreated controls) and further checked at SDs 210, 270 and 360 (study closure). At SD 0, G1 and G2 had a comparable percentage of cats infested by fleas (45.2% and 49.0%; χ 2 = 0.164; P = 0.6859) and ticks (6.7% and 14.0%; χ 2 = 2.946; P = 0.0861). The number of cats infested by fleas was reduced in G1, being 8.3%, 0% and 3.8% on SDs 210, 270 and 360, respectively, resulting in efficacies against fleas of 79.4%, 100% and 93.6% on SDs 210, 270 and 360. None of the cats in G1 was found infested by ticks after the application of the collar, whereas in G2 ticks were observed on 15.7%, 4.8%, 17.5% of the cats at the different follow up visits, leading to an overall efficacy against ticks of 100%. A total of 375 ectoparasites were collected from cats, being 249 fleas (six Ctenocephalides canis , 240 Ctenocephalides felis and three Nosopsyllus fasciatus ) and 126 ticks (87 Ixodes ventalloi and 39 Rhipicephalus pusillus ). Field data gathered herein confirm a high efficacy of the collar in the prevention of tick and flea infestations on cats. This is of great importance both for the primary role of fleas and ticks as blood feeding parasites and, more importantly, because of their role as vectors of pathogens causing diseases of veterinary and medical importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]