MSD Animal Health has announced the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has approved a novel injectable form of Bravecto (fluralaner) for the control of Ixodes holocyclus (paralysis tick) for 12 months, the treatment and prevention of Ctenocephalides felis (flea) infestations for 12 months, the control of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) for 11 months, and the control of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
Australia is the first country worldwide to gain approval of Bravecto Quantum. This is important because, unique to Australia’s eastern seaboard, the paralysis tick – Ixodes holocyclus – is the single most dangerous parasite for dogs with just one tick capable of causing paralysis and even death.1 Due to the devastating effects of paralysis tick on dogs, treatment following infestation is not always successful.2
The product is indicated for use by, or under the supervision of, a veterinarian and for administration to dogs from six months of age. There is no contraindication to administering the injection with other commonly used medications and vaccinations.
“MSD Animal Health has always been committed to ensuring veterinarians are at the forefront of pet owner education and advice when it comes to our products,” Eric Flanagan, General Manager, Australia and New Zealand, MSD Animal Health, said. “[This] is no exception; we are excited that Australia is the first country in the world to launch this game-changing treatment that can only be administered by or under supervision of veterinarians. We firmly believe veterinarians are best placed to explain the efficacy and compliance benefits of Bravecto Quantum to dog owners.”
The active ingredient in the product is fluralaner, an isoxazoline that has been used by veterinarians to protect dogs from fleas and ticks since 2014. The unique crystallized fluralaner in suspension allows for sustained effective levels of active ingredient to be maintained as the fluralaner is gradually absorbed from the site of the injection, providing ongoing efficacy against fleas and paralysis ticks for 12 months and efficacy against brown dog ticks for 11 months.
“Though we typically think of paralysis tick season occurring during the summer months, we know these deadly parasites can be a threat year-round,” Jason Drake, Director, Scientific Marketing Affairs, Global Companion Animal Parasiticides, at MSD Animal Health said. “Similarly, fleas can strike at any time during the year. Missed doses of monthly treatments leave gaps in protection; with a once-yearly dosing, Bravecto Quantum provides a long duration of protection, simplifying paralysis tick and flea protection for both pet owners and veterinarians, which promotes compliance and ensures continuous year-long protection.”
The product takes three days to exert its full effect against paralysis ticks, so it should be applied at least three days before the dog is exposed to paralysis ticks. Paralysis ticks already on dogs prior to applying the product will not be killed immediately after injection. These paralysis ticks should be removed. After three days, Bravecto Quantum demonstrated >95 per cent efficacy against new paralysis tick infestations for 12 months.
Brown dog ticks, the most widespread tick in tropical and sub-tropical areas of Australia, are known to feed on dogs and can transmit tick borne disease such as ehlichiosis.3 Therefore, year-round protection against fleas and ticks is of utmost importance.
A single injection of the product will control flea infestations on the dog within 2 days of treatment. From day 6, newly emerged adult fleas are killed before they lay eggs, for a full year. Long-lasting efficacy controls newly emerged fleas before viable eggs are produced; effectively controlling flea populations in the dog’s environment.
Bravecto Quantum is well tolerated with the only treatment-related finding limited to transient, non-painful injection site swellings that resolved over time, with no further treatment required. Fluralaner is part of the isoxazoline family of chemicals. Adverse reactions to this family of chemicals are rarely observed but may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, inappetence,
itching and very rarely, seizures. Most adverse reactions are self-limiting and of short
duration.
MSD Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.com.
References
- Webster, M., Fisara, P. and Sargent, R. (2011) Long-Term Efficacy of a Deltamethrin-Impregnated Collar for The Control of The Australian Paralysis Tick, Ixodes Holocyclus, On Dogs. Australian Veterinary Journal, 89; 439-443.
- Atwell, Campbell and Evans. (2001) Prospective survey of tick paralysis in dogs. Australian Veterinary Journal, 79; 412-418.
- Hii, SF et al. Canine tick-borne pathogens and associated risk factors in dogs presenting with and without clinical signs consistent with tick-borne disease in northern Australia. Aust Vet J. 2015;93(3):58-66