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.

 

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.

 

“This finding is highly encouraging as it shows that deltamethrin protects cattle and sheep in rainy weather conditions as well, which is particularly relevant in situations when vaccination against bluetongue virus is not feasible such as with emergence of new serotypes of the virus,” explains Dr. Heinz Mehlhorn, study director at the Heinrich-Heine University.

 

BUTOX® 7.5 pour on is an ectoparasiticide whose active ingredient is deltamethrin 7.5 g/L in a suspension and is indicated for use in cattle and sheep. BUTOX® is poured along the backline of the animals, from the base of the head to the tail. Deltamethrin is extremely lipophilic and easily penetrates the cuticles of insects and acarines. Upon absorption, it stimulates the nervous system of the parasite, resulting in paralysis and death. Deltamethrin belongs to the class of synthetic pyrethroids and has a wide spectrum of activity. It is very safe for target animals as well for those applying the product. As deltamethrin is fully biodegradable, it presents little risk for environmental contamination. For more information, visit www.butox-info.com
 
* 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.