Fluralaner (EXOVET) : A Breakthrough Oral Treatment for External Parasite Control in Sheep, Goats, and Cattle

Introduction

Effective external parasite management is crucial for maintaining livestock health, productivity, and market value. Traditional treatments like backliners, dips, and injectables have faced growing challenges due to parasite resistance, leading to reduced efficacy.

Enter Fluralaner, an isoxazoline-based oral treatment that offers a novel approach to lice, tick, and mite control across sheep, goats, and cattle, ensuring long-lasting systemic protection while minimizing resistance concerns.

Mechanism of Action

Fluralaner works by disrupting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels, leading to neuromuscular failure and death in parasites. Its high selectivity means that while it is lethal to external parasites, it remains safe for mammals when administered correctly.

Unlike older organophosphates, synthetic pyrethroids, and macrocyclic lactones, Fluralaner provides extended efficacy, offering up to 12 weeks of protection, helping to break parasite life cycles and reduce reinfestation rates.

Advantages for Livestock Producers

1. Systemic & Long-Lasting Protection

• Targets lice, ticks, mites, and fleas across different livestock species.
• Offers extended parasite control compared to traditional treatments.
• Reduces the need for frequent applications, lowering treatment costs.

2. Oral Administration Benefits

• Eliminates reliance on dipping and spraying, which can be labor-intensive.
• Even distribution in the body, ensuring consistent efficacy.
• Remains effective regardless of weather conditions, unlike pour-ons.

3. Combating Resistance Issues

• Addresses parasite strains resistant to common pesticides, making it a reliable alternative.
• Prevents under-treatment risks that often occur with topical methods.
• Helps reduce parasite transmission rates across herds.

Application Guidelines

For Sheep

• Suitable for all wool lengths, including unshorn lambs.
• Minimum 54-day re-treatment interval for optimal efficacy.

For Goats

• Effective for both meat and dairy-producing goats, with minimal residue concerns.
• Requires proper dosage adjustments due to faster metabolism rates compared to sheep.

For Cattle

• Provides alternative tick control where conventional treatments show resistance failures.
• Helps prevent tick-borne diseases, such as bovine babesiosis.

Best Practices for Veterinary Use & Farm Implementation

• Whole-Herd Treatment: Ensuring all animals receive treatment simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.
• Biosecurity Measures: Quarantining new stock and controlling external parasite exposure.
• Environmental Considerations: Avoiding contamination of water sources, as Fluralaner is toxic to aquatic life.

Conclusion

Fluralaner introduces a game-changing approach to external parasite control, addressing resistance challenges, simplifying treatment protocols, and enhancing livestock health across sheep, goats, and cattle. As external parasites continue to impact herd productivity, the adoption of isoxazoline-based solutions like Fluralaner provides effective, long-lasting protection for modern livestock management.