Confidate 3.5% SC: A Technical and Efficacious Solution for Ovine Ectoparasite Management in the MENA Region
Amman, Jordan – Mobedco proudly presents Confidate 3.5% SC, a highly advanced suspension concentrate formulation engineered for the precise control of neonicotinoid-susceptible sheep body lice (). This veterinary pharmaceutical, containing 35 mg/ml (equivalent to 3.5% w/v) of Imidacloprid, offers a critical tool for enhancing sheep health and productivity in the demanding environmental conditions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Understanding Imidacloprid: Mechanism of Action
Imidacloprid is a chloronicotinyl nitroguanidine insecticide, belonging to the class of neonicotinoids. Its mode of action involves selectively binding to the postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the central nervous system of insects. This binding disrupts normal nerve impulse transmission, leading to paralysis and subsequent death of the parasite. Imidacloprid demonstrates high specificity for insect nAChRs over mammalian receptors, contributing to its favorable safety profile in livestock when applied correctly.
Targeted Application and Pharmacokinetic Considerations:
Confidate 3.5% SC is specifically indicated for application on off-shears sheep (up to 7 days post-shearing) and unshorn lambs up to 2 months of age. The pour-on formulation facilitates systemic absorption and subsequent distribution through the skin’s lipid layers and sebum, providing sustained insecticidal activity.
Precise dosing is paramount for optimal efficacy and minimizing the potential for resistance development. For sheep weighing under 30 kg, the entire calculated dose is applied as a single broadband stripe from the poll to the tail butt. For sheep exceeding 30 kg, half the dose is applied as a broadband stripe on either side of the mid-line, extending from the mid-neck to the tail butt, with stripes no more than 10 cm apart. This method ensures adequate coverage and active ingredient delivery to the target parasites. It is critical to weigh a representative sample of animals and dose to the heaviest in each group to prevent underdosing.
Residue Dynamics and Regulatory Compliance:
Extensive residue trials, as evidenced by studies on similar imidacloprid pour-on products like “Avenge™ Pour-On Lousicide for Sheep” (also containing 35 mg/mL imidacloprid), demonstrate the residue decline characteristics of imidacloprid in ovine tissues. These studies involved comprehensive analysis of imidacloprid and its metabolites in tissues such as liver, kidney, fat, and muscle. Analytical methods, such as validated HPLC/MS/MS, have established limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) at 0.005 mg/kg and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively, for all animal tissues.
Statistical analysis of these data typically indicates that imidacloprid residues in edible sheep tissues fall below relevant Australian Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) within a specified period (e.g., 14 days for Avenge, though a 21-day meat Withholding Period is applied to incorporate a safety factor).
Mobedco emphasizes strict adherence to all stated Withholding Periods (WHPs) and Export Slaughter Intervals (ESIs) to ensure compliance with national and international food safety standards, particularly crucial for the export-oriented markets in the MENA region. For products with similar imidacloprid concentrations, typical WHPs include 21 days for meat. An ESI of 63 days (9 weeks) is often recommended to mitigate potential trade risks, ensuring residues are below the method LOQ for export markets that may not have specific imidacloprid MRLs for sheep tissues. It is also explicitly stated that Confidate 3.5% SC should not be used on female sheep producing, or that may in the future produce, milk or milk products for human consumption.
Efficacy in the Context of MENA Region Challenges:
The efficacy of imidacloprid against susceptible strains of Bovicola ovis is well-documented. Similar commercial products, such as Imidalab™ Pour-On Lice Treatment for Sheep (35 g/L Imidacloprid) and ZORZE Piojicida Pour On (3.5g per 100mL Imidacloprid), have demonstrated reliable control and protection against re-infestation for approximately four weeks after application on shorn sheep and young lambs. This indicates a strong potential for Confidate 3.5% SC to perform effectively in the MENA region.
However, a robust ectoparasite management strategy in the MENA region necessitates:
- Surveillance for Resistance: Continuous monitoring of lice populations for any shifts in susceptibility to neonicotinoids is crucial.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining chemical treatments with other management practices, such as proper shearing hygiene and quarantine of new animals, can significantly enhance long-term control and help mitigate resistance development.
- Environmental Considerations: While primarily active against insects, imidacloprid is highly toxic to aquatic species. Appropriate disposal and prevention of waterway contamination are essential.
Confidate 3.5% SC provides sheep farmers in the MENA region with a powerful, scientifically-backed, and user-friendly tool to manage body lice infestations. By understanding its technical merits and adhering to responsible application practices, farmers can effectively protect their flocks, minimize economic losses due to external parasites, and contribute to the overall sustainability of sheep production in the region.
