Comparative evaluation of the application of modern ectoparasiticides

Abstract

Despite the success achieved in the control of parasitic animal diseases, there are still some issues that need to be scientifically sound. The issue of prevention and treatment of animals affected by ectoparasites is especially relevant. The study aimed to establish and experimentally confirm the effectiveness of innovative ectoparasiticides for dogs and cats for prevention and therapy in parasitic infections. Innovative antiparasitic drugs with the main active ingredient imidacloprid were used in the experiments: ‘MegaStop for dogs’ (drops for external use, spot application), ‘Golden Defence for dogs spot-on’, ‘MegaStop for cats’ (drops for external use, spot application), ‘Golden Defence for cats spot-on’. Following the objectives of the study, we used visual and microscopic methods in accordance with existing practical manuals and current guidelines. According to the results of the research, a stable infection of experimental dogs with fleas was established at the mean intensity of 7.5 ± 2.0 parasite individuals per 10 cm² of animal skin, and otodectosis, sarcoptosis, and notoedrosis were diagnosed separately in some animals. Experimental cats were diagnosed with otodectosis, notoedrosis, sarcoptosis, demodicosis by clinical signs. Parasitism of fleas on the animal bodies was detected, and in one animal heartworm disease was diagnosed. The mean intensity of flea infection in cats ranged from 8 to 12 parasite individuals per 10 cm2 of skin, and the mean intensity of mite infection was 2–3 mites in the field of view of the microscope. High activity of ‘MegaStop for dogs’, ‘Golden Defence for dogs spot-on’, ‘MegaStop for cats’, ‘Golden Defence for cats spot-on’ as agents with a broad spectrum of action against fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.), acariform mites (Otodectes cynotis, Notoedres cati, Sarcoptes sapis), mites of the genus Demodex; heartworm (effective against L3 and L4 larvae of Dirofilaria immitis) has been established