Focus on Ticks

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Ticks

Seresto collar protects hunting cats which may be susceptible to ticks Glasgow Veterinary School presents an interesting case study

plus more important facts about this parasite

Continuous, long-term protection

Focus On Ticks

Ticks are a year-round threat in UK Foreword by Ian Wright

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s a Vet, Parasitologist and a member of the European Scientific Council of Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP UK) I am concerned by the increasing risk of pets coming into contact with ticks at home and abroad. This comes from both a rising prevalence and wider distribution of indigenous ticks but also increasing pet travel and the relaxation of pet travel rules. As well as having to deal with Lyme disease which is endemic in the UK, first opinion vets are also encountering exotic tick borne disease such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.

After completing a Masters degree in Veterinary Parasitology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in 1997, Ian went on to qualify as a Veterinary Surgeon from Glasgow in 2002.

Since then, Ian has continued research in parasitology while practising companion animal medicine and has been published in several peer reviewed journals.

Ian also gives lectures to vets and vet nurses on a variety of parasite related topics and is a member of the European Scientific Council of Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP UK)

known as “hot spots�, studies1 have shown Lyme disease to be endemic across the UK. It is therefore important to advise clients to check themselves and their pets for ticks at least every 24 hours when walking in rural areas and especially recognised hot spot areas to reduce the risk of transmission.

Chemical tick prophylaxis also remains a valuable tool in limiting disease transmission but it must be remembered that no single product treats all parasites and no single product is 100% effective against ticks.

When pets are travelling abroad or being Ixodes ticks which carry Lyme disease are walked in high risk areas then products endemic in the UK and have a seasonal peak that repel or rapidly expel ticks should be in numbers in spring and considered as well as the Studies have shown other parasites they kill! autumn months. In past decades this has been a very Lyme disease to be The changes to the Pet noticeable trend but while Travel Scheme (PETS) this still occurs, ticks are now endemic across the UK mean that it is no longer commonly seen all year round in most parts compulsory to treat pets for ticks before they of the UK. I have seen significant numbers return to the UK but it remains so important to from January right through until December advise clients to treat their pets while abroad in 2012. This change can be attributed to a and before returning to the UK. I have seen wetter and warmer climate and has brought two dogs present with acute anaemia that with it an increased risk of Lyme disease. had travelled abroad and been treated for Cases can remain subclinical or present with a ticks that were confirmed to have babesisosis, variety of clinical signs including polyarthritis, so vigilance and monitoring remains vital. degenerative joint disease, fever, depression, There is now no compulsory treatment anorexia, lymphadenopathy, renal failure and for ticks, no compulsory monitoring and cardiac disease. I have seen cases present reporting of exotic ticks and their diseases with only polyarthritis or lymphadenopathy and that means that we, the members of the so the non-specific nature of these signs Veterinary profession in practice are the last line means that Lyme disease should always be of defence against ticks and tick borne diseases. considered as a differential, especially with a history of tick exposure.

Let’s be tick vigilant!

Although there are parts of the UK harbouring a high prevalence of Lyme disease in ticks

Focus On Ticks

Beware of the ticking time bomb Ticks adapting to new conditions

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alking the dog provides healthy exercise for millions of British pet owners and their best friends. Yet a stroll in the park or a walk in the countryside could become an increasingly dangerous past time.

Blood-sucking ticks are on the march and the diseases that they carry pose a growing threat to humans and animals2 so pet owners need to know how they can protect themselves and their loved ones.

In the past, ticks were only considered to be a hazard in certain parts of Britain and at particular times of the year. They were certainly a common problem in the summer months in upland moorland (e.g. in Scotland, Wales, the Lake District and

Yorkshire) or in areas of shrubland, such as the New Forest, or around Thetford in Norfolk.

But there is good evidence3 that the population density of ticks is increasing wherever they are found and that they are now present in areas and at higher altitudes where they couldn’t previously survive. Since cold winter temperatures are the main factor limiting their range, it seems likely that climate change has helped ticks to move into new territory.

Yet changing land use and reforestation may also be important, providing a better environment for the deer and other wildlife species which are the main hosts for these parasites.

More worryingly, there are concerns that the ticks found in the UK might one day become capable of harbouring and transmitting new diseases which were previously only found in warmer climates. Ever since the PETS scheme was introduced in 2000 to allow pet owners to more easily take their dogs abroad on holiday, there have been cases of dogs coming back with unfamiliar tick-borne diseases.2 Since January 2012, those risks are now much greater as the European Commission has lifted the rules requiring compulsory tick treatment for animals coming into the UK. There are even fears that certain diseases once confined to the Mediterranean region may have already established a foothold in the UK.3

News for travelling pets Taking your dog abroad on holiday was made much simpler this year after the Government decided to lift two of the main requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme. In order to qualify for a pet passport, pet owners travelling to listed countries no longer have to arrange blood tests for their animal to prove it is protected against rabies. Secondly, and more controversially, the Government has decided that it is no longer necessary for a dog or cat to be treated against ticks before it is allowed back into the UK. Does this relaxation of the rules mean that pet owners should no longer worry about the threat posed by the various diseases transmitted by ticks? Definitely not – a number of these diseases are endemic in the countryside around many popular holiday destinations throughout the Mediterranean area, so any pet that becomes infested with ticks could potentially be exposed to one or more serious diseases.

But the reason why tick treatment rules were initially put in place was to prevent

the introduction of the serious human disease, Mediterranean Spotted Fever, a form of typhus. The Government was however less concerned about animal diseases and having decided that the risks of MSF reaching Britain are pretty low, then the tick treatment rule could be scrapped.* As a result, from January 2012, the prevention of diseases such as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis being introduced into this country has effectively become the responsibility of vets and dog owners.

The above-mentioned are two significant tick-borne diseases spread by species of tick that aren’t traditionally found in the UK (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) or which only occur very rarely (Dermacentor reticulatus), however, it makes sense for owners to treat their dog against ticks, even if they have no plans to take it abroad on holiday, as there are some areas in the South of England and Wales where these diseases are starting to obtain a foothold.3 What’s more, the native species Ixodes ricinus has become more common around much of the country, probably as a result of climate

*Ref: DEFRA (2011) Risk of incursion and establishment of certain exotic diseases and tick species to the UK via international pet travel.

change and its bite can transmit the bacterium which causes Lyme disease, a threat both to the dog and its owner.4 The role that the animal health industry must play to educate owners on the increasing risk is key. It is recommended that pet owners should visit their veterinary practice for advice on the range of effective treatments, depending on their lifestyle and personal preferences.

For dogs that are being taken away on holiday, many veterinary practices would recommend treatment with a product like Advantix which offers protection not just against ticks but also against fleas, mosquitos, lice and other more exotic insects, such as the sand fly which transmits the agent responsible for leishmaniosis. For some pet owners that don’t like using a spot-on treatment or who would prefer not to have to worry about regular treatments, they can fit their pet with a Seresto collar to provide protection against ticks and fleas for up to eight months at a time.

Focus On Ticks

CVBD Case Report By the Glasgow Veterinary School

organism. “It is important that vets should be looking for these conditions. If samples are not sent for testing, then there is a risk that we may be underestimating the incidence of these diseases.”

Prevention is better than cure

The University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine is pre-eminent in teaching, research and clinical provision, and attracts students, researchers and clinicians from around the world.

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yme disease would be near the top of the list of differential diagnoses if a dog with fever and swollen lymph nodes is brought into a veterinary practice in Scotland. But the other serious tick-borne infections are unlikely to cross the mind of the attending vet. The only chance that a dog may be carrying, say, ehrlichiosis, is if it had been taken abroad on holiday with its family.

been picked up in the long grass at a local park.

So Emma Roberts, a young vet at the Glasgow veterinary school did well to pinpoint the cause of the problem in a flat-coated retriever referred there by a local practice. “This dog had never been further south than Cumbria and it wasn’t in contact with any other dog that had travelled abroad. So as far as we are aware, this dog must have been infected in Scotland,” said her senior colleague, Rory Bell.

Whilst a blood sample was sent off to the laboratory at Bristol where they monitor tick-borne diseases, the dog was started on a course of the antimicrobial drug doxycycline. Fortunately it made a rapid recovery and was soon out of danger.

No-one knows what species of tick was responsible for transmitting the diseasethe parasite is difficult to spot at the best of times but particularly on an animal with a long black coat, however it might have

“We have now seen two cases each of ehrlichiosis and babesiosis in dogs that had never travelled abroad,” said Severine Tasker, who runs the lab at Bristol which confirmed the presence of the Ehrlichia

The clinical signs suggested that the dog might have ehrlichiosis. “The dog was off its food and quite lethargic. On a scale of 1 to 10 where the top number is the most serious condition, I would have put it about 6. It was clearly unwell but it wasn’t yet at death’s door,” Rory recalls.

But the prognosis could have been a lot worse for the dog if its vet hadn’t been alert to the possibility of a disease which should not really have been there at all.

Dog and cat owners in areas where ticks occur would do well to examine their pet closely when they return home from being outdoors. One recent study5 suggested that about 15 per cent of dogs may be carrying ticks without their owner’s knowledge. If removed within one or two days of climbing aboard an animal, it is unlikely that a tick will have had sufficient time to pass on any infections,6 however, owners must remove the tick properly with a special implement, as pulling it off by hand may leave the mouth parts in the dog’s skin and create an infection risk.

But how does a pet owner prevent a tick becoming attached to their dog or cat in the first place? An effective approach would be to apply a Seresto collar; this is the first tick repellent to be equally effective on dogs and cats and is active in killing and repelling ticks for up to eight months.

The collar is impregnated with two compounds: flumethrin for controlling ticks and imidacloprid to kill fleas.

Research has shown that many pet owners don’t realise they may need to treat their animal with different products to try and ensure that they are protected against the wide range of external and internal parasites that can affect its health.7 Seresto is the latest addition to Bayer’s portfolio of highly effective parasiticidal products. Whatever the lifestyle of the dog or cat, or the environment it lives in, there is a selection of products that will protect it against many of the parasites it is likely to encounter in the UK, and in some cases abroad.

*An assessment of each individual pet’s lifestyle and associated risk should be made to determine choice of parasiticide products, spectrum of activity and frequency of administration.

Focus On Ticks

Rogues Gallery A profile of each tick species Ixodes ricinus For many dogs and cats, a monthly treatment with Advocate (for fleas, roundworms, mites and lungworm in dogs) will fit neatly with a quarterly dose of Drontal or Profender to kill tapeworms, and a Seresto collar to keep them free from ticks. However, for those pet owners, who struggle to stick to a monthly routine, a product such as Seresto for long-term flea and tick control, combined with tapeworm control quarterly using a product such as Drontal or Profender, may offer a great alternative solution.* Since the launch of Bayer’s ‘It’s a jungle out there’ programme, pet owners will be better informed about the number of different parasites that may harm their animals. With the various different products and formulations in the Bayer range they will also know there is a treatment plan that will be just right for their pet.*

“ For clients with dogs and cats, our practice recommend Advocate as it is easy to apply and effective against both fleas and worms. However, due to the large tick burden in our area, we also suggest owners use Seresto for ticks, in conjunction with Advocate. This helps optimise client compliance and gives owners the peace of mind that their pet is protected against the main UK parasites.”

Elaine Clarke, Chandlers Ford Veterinary Surgery, Hampshire

Known as the sheep tick or castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus is the most likely culprit if a pet owner finds one of these parasites on their dog’s skin when they come back from a walk. This is the tick responsible for spreading the Borrelia bacterium that causes Lyme disease in humans and several domestic animal species.

This infection produces flu-like symptoms of fever and aching joints and can also cause damage to the heart, nervous system and kidneys. The tick is found across a considerable area of rural Britain and is certainly becoming a more common problem.8 Human Lyme disease cases have increased threefold over the past decade.9 The tick is also capable of transmitting other diseases to man and animals.

Dermacentor reticulatus The meadow or ‘ornate cow tick’ Dermacentor reticulatus doesn’t restrict itself to pasture land and certainly doesn’t feed exclusively on cattle. This tick is known to have been present in Wales for more than a century but it has extended its range in recent years over much of the south western peninsula and southern England.

It is capable of spreading a number of diseases including babesiosis, a blood parasite which causes fever and anaemia in domestic animals.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus Of even greater concern is the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus which is common in parts of southern Europe and North Africa. It is capable of spreading both babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, the latter a potentially fatal condition in dogs and a serious threat to human health. Its clinical signs include fever, anaemia and blood clotting disorders. The tick has never been considered to be endemic to Britain but it can survive indoors and is known to have overwintered in quarantine kennels.

Focus On Ticks

The collar that sets a new benchmark Enjoy continuous long-term protection – Up to 8 months.

What is Seresto?

Seresto is the result of a multidisciplinary effort based on Bayer’s unique experience in insecticides research, polymer chemistry and veterinary parasiticides development.

It is the first ever treatment to provide repellency against ticks in both cats and dogs, and offers up to 8 months continuous protection in the form of a highly innovative POM-V collar.

Seresto’s unique polymer matrix10 enables it to release controlled doses of two proven active ingredients – imidacloprid and flumethrin – that are highly effective at killing fleas and repelling and killing ticks respectively. The delivery system ensures each animal continues to get just the right protection for up to 8 months.

This presents a valuable treatment option for those pet owners who find it difficult to stick to a monthly routine, or for those who want to add tick protection to their current monthly spot-on routine.

Seresto is water resistant, odour free and is designed with safety in mind. A safety-

release mechanism ensures that in the unlikely event of a cat being trapped, the cat’s own strength is sufficient to widen the collar to allow for quick release.

Efficacy data Research into the efficacy of Seresto has demonstrated that the two active ingredients work synergistically to increase their insecticidal effect.

Flea efficacy11 Studies have confirmed a sustained efficacy against fleas for the duration of 7-8 months. The efficacy against fleas started immediately after treatment.

The “speed of kill” efficacy was evaluated and demonstrated 100% efficacy within 2 hours after flea reinfestation.** Tick efficacy12 Seresto demonstrated sustained killing efficacy against ticks for 8 months. In dogs, the repellent effect of Seresto after monthly infestations with Ixodes ricinus demonstrated a repellent (anti-feeding) efficacy of 96% within 48 hours and then a sustainable efficacy of 100% each month for the 8 months period. Seresto is the

first treatment to provide repellency in cats, and studies demonstrated a repellent efficacy of 100% within 48 hours, and this was sustained each month for the full period of 8 months.

“Speaking as an owner as well as a veterinary nurse, I believe it’s been an especially bad year for ticks in our area. Before using a Seresto collar, my spaniels were coming out of the local woods sporting several ticks a day. One of our dogs had 7 ticks on her poor face in one day! Since switching to Seresto I haven’t seen any ticks for the last 8 months. I would always recommend Seresto to owners who walk their dogs in high risk areas, for pets travelling abroad (to prevent tick-borne infections) and also for owners who struggle with compliance.

Another benefit is that it can be used in conjunction with Advocate, which eliminates the risk of lungworm too, which seems to be a growing concern in our area.”

Jill Warner, veterinary nurse at Beeches Veterinary Centre in Melksham, Wiltshire

**Demonstrated on day 7 after treatment

How does Seresto work?

Lipid Layer

Depot formulation

Initial application

• Innovative polymer matrix stores

• Active ingredient molecules migrate to

active ingredients within collar • Collar does not release active ingredients until applied to the animal

form a microlayer on collar surface • Active ingredients are transferred from collar to lipid layer of skin and hair

Mode of action • Neutral oils help active

ingredients diffuse and spread throughout lipid layer

Continuous use • Active ingredients continue to migrate

from matrix to lipid layer as needed • Acaricidal/insecticidal protection is

sustained for up to 8 months

Focus On Ticks

Protection from ticks, fleas and biting lice with Seresto® What are Seresto‘s indications?

Dogs • F or the treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestation for 7 to 8 months • P rotects the animal’s immediate surroundings against flea larvae development for up to 8 months

Ticks

Flea larvae

Biting lice (Dogs only)

Fleas

• S eresto can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) • T he product has persistent acaricidal (killing) efficacy against ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor reticulatus) and repellent (anti-feeding) efficacy against I. ricinus and R. sanguineus for 8 months. It is effective against larvae, nymphs and adult ticks • F or treatment of biting/chewing lice (Trichodectes canis) infestation Cats • F or the treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestation for 7 to 8 months • P rotects the animal’s immediate surroundings against flea larvae development for 10 weeks • S eresto can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) • T he product has persistent acaricidal (killing) efficacy against ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus turanicus) and repellent (anti-feeding) efficacy against I. ricinus for 8 months. It is effective against larvae, nymphs and adult ticks

Suitable for dogs

Other parasites an issue? Seresto can be effectively combined with a range of Bayer products, visit jungleforvets.co.uk

Suitable for cats

Focus On Ticks

Advantix® – ideal for the travelling dog Parasite images – anti-clockwise from top right: tick, flea, biting louse, mosquito, stable fly, sand fly and tick.

What is Advantix?

Advantix has become the logical choice in flea and tick control in travelling dogs. This unique product delivers a combination of killing and repelling properties against external parasites. It kills fleas, flea larvae, biting lice and ticks, and is the only spot-on indicated to repel ticks, mosquitoes, sand and stable flies helping to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Due to its repellent activity against ticks, sand flies, and mosquitoes, Advantix reduces the risk of disease transmission of vectorborne diseases such as borreliosis (Lyme Disease), rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis and leishmaniosis13 which are endemic in areas across Europe and may prove fatal.

Cases of Lyme Disease have also been reported in both dogs and humans in the UK. Therefore, tick protection is essential when residing in or travelling to regions that attract high tick infestations, such as the south west of England or Scotland.

Advantix has been shown to be effective, when used over a 12 month period in preventing transmission of canine leishmaniosis in an endemic area through its repellent effect on sand flies.14 By virtue of its repellent and acaricidal activity against ticks, Advantix has also been shown to be efficacious to prevent E. canis infection in treated dogs living under natural conditions in endemic areas.15

Focus On Ticks

Unique flea, tick and biting fly control in dogs ✣ Repellency Only

Ticks Mosquitoes✣ Sand flies✣ Stable flies✣

Flea larvae

Fleas

Biting lice

Key points ✓ Reduces risk of disease transmission ✓ Advantix is proven to provide effective prevention of canine leishmaniosis and ehrlichiosis under natural conditions in endemic areas14,15 ✓ Kills fleas, flea larvae, biting lice and ticks ✓ Licensed to repel ticks ✓ Also repels mosquitoes, sand and stable flies ✓ Helps prevent blood feeding

Suitable for dogs ONLY

✓ Suitable for use when travelling with your dog

Other parasites an issue? Advantix can be effectively combined with a range of Bayer products, visit jungleforvets.co.uk

DO NOT USE ON CATS

Advantix can be very harmful to cats, and must not be used on them.

Focus On Ticks

Tools for your practice Waiting room materials, information leaflets and more...

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Illustration purposes only Design, sizes and specifications of all items may change at end production.

All items available only while stocks last.

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18/07/2012 2502_23 Jungle

Questionnaire

outlined .indd

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Focus On Ticks

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A range of materials are available to help you to educate your clients about ticks. These can be used in isolation or to complement a jungle display.

Prepare your practice and order your materials today.

1 Ticks waiting room pack Educational display Order code: SERE16

2 Ticks waiting room poster Order code: SERE17

3 Pets Travel Scheme leaflet & dispenser Informative client leaflet Order code: BAH7

4 Jungle vet nurse quick reference guide

Order code: JUN08

5 Jungle lifestyle questionnaire pads

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Order code: JUN05

Additional collateral and downloads available on jungleforvets.co.uk

Call 0845 2574798 (or order items from the Bayer Leaflet Line website; www.bayer-leaflet-line.co.uk Username: bayervets Password: bayervets1)

or speak to your territory manager

Advantix Spot-On Solution for dogs Presentation: A clear yellowish to brownish, solution containing imidacloprid and permethrin as active substances and 1.0 mg/ml butylhydroxytoluene (E321) as an antioxidant. The product is presented in a single use plastic pipette for dermal (spot-on) treatment in dogs. Each tube contains 100mg/ml Imidacloprid and 500mg/ml Permethrin.

Uses: For the treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis) infestations in dogs only. Fleas on dogs are killed within one day following treatment. One treatment prevents further flea infestation for four weeks. The product can be used as part of a treatment strategy for flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). For the treatment of biting lice (Trichodectes canis). The product has a persistent acaricidal and repellent efficacy against tick infestations (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus for four weeks, and Dermacentor reticulatus for three weeks). Ticks already on the dog may not be killed within two days after treatment and may remain attached and visible. Therefore the removal of ticks already on the dog at the time of treatment is recommended, in order to prevent them from attaching and having a blood meal. One treatment provides repellent (anti-feeding) activity against sand flies (Phlebotomus papatasi for two weeks and Phlebotomus perniciosus for three weeks), against mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti for two weeks and Culex pipiens for four weeks) and against stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) for four weeks.

Dosage and administration: The recommended minimum dose is: 10 mg/kg body weight imidacloprid and 50 mg/kg body weight permethrin. For dermal use only. Apply only to undamaged skin. To reduce re-infestation from emergence of new fleas it is recommended that all dogs in a household be treated. Other pet animals living in the same household should also be treated with a suitable product. To further aid in reducing environmental challenge, the additional use of a suitable environmental treatment against adult fleas and their developmental stages is recommended. The product remains effective if the animal becomes wet. However, prolonged, intense exposure to water should be avoided. In cases of frequent water exposure the persistent efficacy may be reduced. In these cases do not retreat more frequently than once weekly. If a dog requires a shampoo, it should be administered before applying Advantix or at least 2 weeks after application, to optimise efficacy of the product. In case of biting louse infestation, a further veterinary examination 30 days after treatment is recommended as some animals may require a second treatment.

Use during pregnancy and lactation: The product may be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc: Do not use on cats. This product is extremely poisonous to cats and could be fatal due to the unique physiology of this species which is unable to metabolise DO NOT certain compounds, including permethrin. To prevent cats from being accidentally exposed to the product, keep cats away from treated dogs until the application site is USE ON dry. It is important to ensure that cats do not groom the site of application on a dog CATS which has been treated with this product. Seek veterinary advice immediately if this occurs. In the absence of available data, the product should not be used on puppies of less than 7 weeks of age or 1.5 kg of weight. Do not use in cases of known hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Care should be taken to avoid the contents of the pipette coming into contact with the eyes or mouth of the recipient dogs. Care should be taken to administer the product correctly as described above, under Method of Administration. In particular, oral uptake due to the licking of the application site by treated or in-contact animals should be avoided. Consult your veterinary surgeon before

using the product on sick and debilitated dogs. On very rare occasions reactions in dogs may include transient skin sensitivity (increased local itching, scratching and rubbing, hair loss and redness at the application site) or lethargy that are generally self-resolving. In very rare cases dogs may show behaviour changes (agitation, restlessness, whining or rolling), gastro-intestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, diminished appetite) and neurological signs such as unsteady movement and twitching in dogs susceptible to the ingredient permethrin. These signs are generally transient and self-resolving.

Poisoning following inadvertent oral uptake in dogs is unlikely but may occur in very rare cases. In this event, neurological signs such as tremor and lethargy can occur. Treatment should be symptomatic. There is no known specific antidote. There may be an attachment of single ticks, or bites by single sand flies or mosquitoes. For this reason, a transmission of infectious diseases by these parasites cannot be completely excluded if conditions are unfavourable. However, the product provides repellent (anti-feeding) activity against ticks, sand flies and mosquitoes, thus preventing the repelled parasites from taking a blood meal and reducing the risk of Canine Vector-Borne Disease (CVBD) transmission (e.g. borreliosis, rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, leishmaniosis). No adverse clinical signs were noted in healthy puppies or adult dogs exposed to 5x overdosage or for puppies whose mothers were treated with 3x overdosage of the product. The solvent in Advantix Spot-on solution may stain certain materials including leather, fabrics, plastics and finished surfaces. Allow the application site to dry before permitting contact with such materials. User Safety: Avoid contact between the product and skin, eyes or mouth. Do not eat, drink or smoke during application. Wash hands thoroughly after use. In case of accidental spillage on to skin, wash off immediately with soap and water. People with known skin sensitivity may be particularly sensitive to this product. The predominant clinical symptoms that in extremely rare cases may be shown are transient sensory irritations of the skin like tingling, burning sensation or numbness. If the product gets accidentally into the eyes, they should be thoroughly flushed with water. If skin or eye irritation persists, or if the product is accidentally swallowed, obtain medical attention immediately and show the package insert to the physician. Treated dogs should not be handled, especially by children, until the application site is dry. This may be ensured by treating dogs when children are not present, eg in the evening. Recently treated dogs should not be allowed to sleep together with their owner, especially children.

Environmental Safety: The product should not be allowed to enter water courses, as this may be dangerous for fish and aquatic organisms. Treated dogs must not under any circumstances be allowed to enter into any type of surface water for at least 48 hours after treatment. Permethrin-containing products are toxic to honey bees. Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with national requirements.

Pharmaceutical precautions Do not freeze. After opening the foil pouch store in a dry place at a temperature not above 30°C. After use, replace cap on tube. Shelf-life of product in foil pouch: 5 years.

Shelf-life of product after opening foil pouch: 24 months (all pipettes should be used within 24 months after opening the foil pouch or before expiry date on the pipette, whichever is shorter). Shelf-life of the broached pipette: Once opened, the entire contents of the pipette has to be applied to the animal’s skin.

Legal category POM-V (UK); POM (Ireland).

Seresto Presentation: A grey, odour-free collar containing the following active substances: Seresto 1.25 g + 0.56 g, collar for cats: 38 cm (12.5 g) containing 1.25 g imidacloprid and 0.56 g flumethrin. Seresto 1.25 g + 0.56 g, collar for dogs ≤ 8 kg: 38 cm (12.5 g) containing 1.25 g imidacloprid and 0.56 g flumethrin. Seresto 4.50 g + 2.03 g, collar for dogs >8 kg: 70 cm (45 g) containing 4.5 g imidacloprid and 2.03 g flumethrin Uses: For cats use Seresto 1.25 g + 0.56 g, collar for cats. For dogs ≤ 8 kg use Seresto 1.25 g + 0.56 g, collar for dogs ≤ 8 kg. For dogs > 8 kg use Seresto 4.50 g + 2.03 g, collar for dogs > 8 kg Cats: For the treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestation for 7 to 8 months. Efficacy against fleas starts immediately after application of the collar. Protects the animal’s immediate surroundings against flea larvae development for 10 weeks. Seresto can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). The product has persistent acaricidal (killing) efficacy (Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus turanicus) and repellent (anti-feeding) efficacy against tick infestations (Ixodes ricinus) for 8 months. It is effective against larvae, nymphs and adult ticks. Ticks already on the cat prior to treatment may not be killed within 48 hours after collar application and may remain attached and visible. Therefore removal of ticks already on the cat at the time of application is recommended. The prevention of infestations with new ticks starts within two days after application of the collar. Ideally, the collar should be applied before the beginning of the flea or tick season.

Dogs: For the treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestation for 7 to 8 months. Efficacy against fleas starts immediately after application of the collar. Protects the animal’s immediate surroundings against flea larvae development for 8 months. Seresto can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). The product has persistent acaricidal (killing) efficacy against tick infestations (Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor reticulatus) and repellent (anti-feeding) efficacy against tick infestations (Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus) for 8 months. It is effective against larvae, nymphs and adult ticks. Ticks already on the dog prior to treatment may not be killed within 48 hours after collar application and may remain attached and visible. Therefore removal of ticks already on the dog at the time of application is recommended. The prevention of infestations with new ticks starts within two days after application of the collar. For treatment of biting/chewing lice (Trichodectes canis) infestation. Ideally, the collar should be applied before the beginning of the flea or tick season.

Dosage and administration: Cutaneous use. One collar per animal to be fastened around the neck. Cats receive one collar of 38 cm length. Small dogs up to, and including, 8 kg body weight receive one Seresto collar of 38 cm length. Dogs above 8 kg receive one Seresto collar for dogs > 8 kg of 70 cm length. For external use only. The collar should be worn continuously for the 8 month protection period and should be removed after the treatment period. Check periodically and adjust fit if necessary, especially when puppies and kittens are rapidly growing. Cats: This collar is designed with a safety-closure mechanism. In the unlikely event of a cat being trapped, the cat’s own strength is sufficient to widen the collar to allow for quick release.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc: Do not treat kittens less than 10 weeks of age. Do not treat puppies less than 7 weeks of age. Do not use in the case of known hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Ticks will be killed and fall off the host within 24 to 48 hours after infestation without having had a blood meal, as a rule. An attachment of single ticks after treatment cannot be excluded. For this reason,

a transmission of infectious diseases by ticks cannot be completely excluded if conditions are unfavourable.

As in all long term topical products, periods of excessive seasonal hair shedding may lead to transient slight reduction of efficacy by loss of hair-bound portions of the active ingredients. Replenishment from the collar starts immediately so that full efficacy will be re-established without any additional treatment or collar replacement. For optimum control of flea problems in heavily infested households it may be necessary to treat the environment with a suitable insecticide. The product is water resistant; it remains effective if the animal becomes wet. However, prolonged, intense exposure to water or extensive shampooing should be avoided as the duration of activity may be reduced. Studies show that monthly shampooing or water immersion does not significantly shorten the 8 months efficacy duration for ticks after redistribution of the active substances in the coat whereas the product’s flea efficacy gradually decreased, starting in the 5th month. Occasionally slight pruritus and/or erythema may be observed in animals that are not used to wearing collars on the first few days after fitting. Ensure that the collar is not fitted too tightly. Slight hair loss and mild skin reactions may occur at the application site, which usually recover within 1 to 2 weeks without the need for collar removal. In single cases, a temporary collar removal may be recommended until the symptoms have disappeared. Cats: Initially, slight and transient reactions as depression, change of food intake, salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea might occur in rare cases. As in other topical applications, allergic contact dermatitis might occur in hypersensitive animals. Laboratory studies with either flumethrin or imidacloprid in rats and rabbits have not produced any effects on fertility or reproduction and showed no teratogenic or foetotoxic effects. However, the safety of the veterinary medicinal product has not been established in target animals during pregnancy and lactation and in the absence of available data, the product is therefore not recommended in pregnant and lactating bitches or queens. Due to the nature of the collar, overdosage is unlikely and signs of overdosage are not to be expected. An overdosage of 5 collars around the neck was investigated in adult cats and dogs for an 8 month period, and in 7 week old puppies and 10 week old kittens for a 6 month period and no other adverse effects were observed than those already described in this section. In the unlikely event of the animal eating the collar mild gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. loose stool) may occur. User Safety: Keep the bag with the collar in the outer packaging until use. As with any veterinary medicinal products, do not allow small children to play with the collar, or to put it into their mouths. Pets wearing the collar should not be allowed to sleep in the same bed as their owners, especially children. People with known sensitivity to the ingredients of the collar should avoid contact with the collar. Immediately dispose of any remnants or cut-offs of the collar (see Dosage and administration section). Wash hands with cold water after fitting the collar.

Environmental Safety: Any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived from such veterinary medicinal products should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. This product should not enter water courses as it may be dangerous for fish and other aquatic organisms.

Pharmaceutical precautions:Shelf-life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 30 months.

This veterinary medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

Legal category POM-V (UK); POM (Ireland).

1. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. 2012 Mar;35(2):163-7. Estimating Lyme disease risk using pet dogs as sentinels. Smith FD, Ballantyne R, Morgan ER, Wall R. 2. Stanek G, Wormser GP, Gray J, Strle F. Lyme borreliosis Lancet. 2012 Feb 4; 379(9814):461-73. 3. Scharlemann J. P. W., Johnson P. J., Smith A. A., Macdonald D. W. & Randolph S. E. (2008) Trends in ixodid tick abundance and distribution in Great Britain.

Medical and Veterinary Entomology 22, 238–247. 4. Gray J. S., Dautel H., Estrada-Pena A., Kahl O. & Lindgren E. (2009) Effects of climate change on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Europe. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases 2009, 593232. 5. Smith F., Ballantyne R., Morgan E. & Wall R. (2011) The incidence of tick infestation on domestic dogs in the UK. Medical and Veterinary Entomology 25, 377–384. 6. Wall R. (2012) A ticking clock for tick-borne disease? Veterinary Record 170, 326-328. 7. Opinion Health owner survey (2012). 8. Scharleman [paper quoted by Wall (Veterinary Record 2012;170:326-328). 9. Defra (2009) Zoonosis Report. www.defra. gov.uk/publications/files/pb13571-zoonoses2009-110125.pdf. 10. European patent: EP 1 763 301 B1 US patent: US 7 910 122 B2. 11. Bayer Study Reports: ID30795, 33801, 35631, 35636, 35979. 12. Bayer Study Reports: ID 35630, 35631, 35635, 35981, 35982. 13. Advantix SPC. 14. Otranto D et al. (2007) Efficacy of a combination of 10% imidacloprid/50% permethrin for the prevention of leishmaniosis in kennelled dogs in an endemic area. Veterinary Parasitology 144, 270-278. 15. Otranto D et al. (2008) Application of 10% imidacloprid/50% permethrin to prevent Ehrlichia canis exposure in dogs under natural conditions. Veterinary Parasitology 153, 320-328.

Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsibly) Please refer to appropriate data sheet, further information is available on request. ®Registered Trade Mark of Bayer AG. Bayer plc, Animal Health Division, Bayer House, Strawberry Hill, Newbury RG14 1JA. Tel: 01635 563000.

Bayer Ltd., Animal Health Division, The Atrium, Blackthorn Road, Dublin 18, Tel: (01) 299 9313. SERE18/0113/ZONE/1500