New data support use of BUTOX in cattle and sheep exposed to wet conditions to protect against biting midges

30 October 2009
Boxmeer (the Netherlands)

BOXMEER (the Netherlands), October 30, 2009 – A new study has demonstrated that the veterinary antiparasitic product BUTOX® 7.5 pour on (deltamethrin) also protects cattle and sheep during wet conditions against biting midges (Culicoides), insects proven to be responsible for the transmission of the bluetongue virus.

The new findings extend existing knowledge and demonstrate that BUTOX® is not only effective in dry weather conditions, but also effectively kills midges in wet conditions. Previously, efficacy of BUTOX® had only been proven in dry weather and in animals provided with shelter.

The study, which was supported by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, was performed at the Department of Parasitology of the Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf (Germany) and has been published in the November 2009 issue of Parasitology Research*. Cattle and sheep were treated with a single application of BUTOX® and subsequently thoroughly wetted twice a week with water. Over a period of 4 weeks hair was clipped off the legs, near the claws. Midges where then exposed to the clipped hair and the time to death of the midges after exposure to deltamethrin was recorded It was reported that BUTOX® remained effective (killing all exposed insects) during wet conditions for at least 4 weeks, although in sheep the average time to midge death was longer in animals exposed to wet conditions as compared to animals in dry conditions.

BUTOX® is a trademark owned by Intervet International B.V. This press release contains information on veterinary products based on international registration dossiers and may refer to products that are either not available in your country or are marketed under a different tradename. In addition, the approved indications as well as safety and efficacy data for a specific product may be different depending on local regulations and approvals. For more information, read the product labeling that applies to your country or contact your local Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health representative.

* Schmahl G, Mehlhorn H, Abdel-Ghaffar F, Al-Rasheid K, Schumacher B, Jatzlau A, Pohle H. Does rain reduce the efficacy of Butox 7.5 pour on (deltamethrin) against biting midges (Culicoides specimens)? Parasitology Research 2009;105:1763-1765.