Fleas & Tapeworm “Many owners are aware of the connection between hunting and tapeworm infection but not the connection with fleas, and therefore tapeworm and flea control must go hand in hand in companion animal practice.� Ian Wright, ESCCAP UK
Dissected flea containing Dipylidium caninum tapeworm metacestodes (yellow)
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Focus On Fleas & Tapeworm
Declaring war on fleas and tapeworm Foreword by Ian Wright We are now into the 4th issue of our ‘Focus On’ magazine and are delighted to bring you a Focus on Fleas and Tapeworm. The previous issues, if you have not seen them, can be found on the website www.jungleforvets.co.uk and they cover; Angiostrongylus vasorum, Ticks, and Toxocara. My favourite article so far is ‘The ‘slimewave’ is upon us’!
S 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 and Ireland)
o now onto Fleas & Tapeworms… In a world of emerging parasites and foreign invaders, there are still few infestations that are more irritating or well recognised by clients than the humble flea. Despite fleas being well known by the public, and scratching being triggered by the mere mention of their name, the life cycle of fleas and the means by which they can be effectively treated and controlled, are often still poorly understood. Fleas are wingless laterally flattened insects belonging to the family Siphonaptera. They have existed since the time of dinosaurs and have proved highly adaptable, parasitising both mammals and birds. Some fleas have become species specific such as the rabbit flea (Spilopsyllus cuniculi), and hedgehog flea (Archaeopsylla erinacei). Others have evolved to live on a wide range of mammalian hosts and the most successful of these is Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea. Its ability to parasitise cats, dogs, ferrets and rabbits as well as to breed rapidly and establish populations in our centrally heated homes, has allowed it to thrive in close proximity to people and their pets. This in turn has a significant impact on the health of pets and potentially even their owners, as well as affecting the precious human-animal bond. Heavy infestations of fleas can cause anaemia, but even small numbers can cause flea bite reactions and flea allergic dermatitis. Although humans are not infested by cat fleas, they may be bitten by adults newly emerging from pupae in the environment. This can lead to intense irritation in sensitive individuals. Fleas may
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also act as vectors of disease. These include potentially life threatening diseases such as myxomatosis, and feline infectious anaemia, but one of the most common infections transmitted by fleas is the flea tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum). Tapeworms are Cestodes, and most require an intermediate host. In the definitive host they attach to the intestinal wall with hooks or suckers and pass segments in the faeces. Most species of tapeworm infecting cats and dogs are contracted through hunting, or ingestion of undercooked meat containing infective cysts, but in the case of D. caninum it is fleas (and less commonly lice) that act as the intermediate hosts. Cats and dogs become infected through ingestion of fleas and infection is common in heavy flea infestations. People may also become infected with D. caninum if they accidentally swallow infected fleas, such as if flea parts get trapped under fingernails and are transferred to the mouth. While not particularly pathogenic, the emergence of motile tapeworm segments from the anus of pets often causes revulsion amongst owners and irritation to the host. Many owners are aware of the connection between hunting and tapeworm infection but not the connection with fleas, and therefore tapeworm and flea control must go hand in hand in companion animal practice. Animals that have the opportunity to hunt or roam will have a high exposure risk for Taenia infection. These animals are easily treated, but true control will not occur unless efforts are made to deal with re-exposure. For Taenia, this means
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treating the animal and curbing the hunting activities. Clients unwilling or unable to change the lifestyle of the pet should consider regular worming to deal with the inevitable re-exposure. For D. caninum true control will not occur without combining worming for tapeworm and effective flea control.
establishing an endemic population in the UK would be just as devastating as the introduction of rabies for human health.
Flea and tapeworm control programmes often fail despite an increasing range of effective treatments. As a result there is belief among the public and some Infection with Taenia spp. and D. caninum are common veterinary surgeons that drug resistance is developing in pets, and emphasis on their control is important, but among fleas. There is no evidence to support this, and as vets we must also consider control of less common given the vast wild reservoir of fleas in the country it but more serious tapeworm infections. Echinococcus is unlikely that it is occurring. The problem usually lies granulosus and in a lack of understanding Echinococcus multilocularis among pet owners that When flea control programmes are tapeworms of canids. adequate control relies on appear to fail, the problem usually environmental treatment, The adult worms are only a few millimetres long and lies in a lack of understanding among and correct application of are rarely pathogenic, but if adulticide at the correct pet owners that adequate control people ingest eggs passed frequency. Often expectations relies on environmental treatment, are unrealistic as to how through the faeces, hydatid cysts will form in the body and correct application of adulticide quickly infestation may be leading to potentially life controlled. at the correct frequency. Often threatening complications. This is particularly serious expectations are unrealistic as to how This highlights our responsibility as vets to in E. multilocularis infection quickly infestation may be controlled. accurately educate the public where the cysts can bud about effective flea and and spread in a tumour like tapeworm control, and the connection between the fashion. The control of these parasites is therefore vital two. It is all too easy with the myriad of flea products and is achieved by monthly worming with praziquantel now available to become fixated on which product to in E. granulosus endemic areas or if going abroad to use, when it is more important to tailor product choice, prevent E. multilocularis infection. Avoiding access to and advice to individual clients to increase compliance carcasses and unchecked offal is also important for and rapid control of infestations. Flea and tapeworm E. granulosus prevention. Despite concerted campaigns control needs to be a partnership between veterinary to reduce hydatid disease in people, cases still regularly surgeons, drug companies, and the public to ensure that occur in the UK and the veterinary surgeon has a vital treatments are used properly and as part of an effective role to play in raising public awareness and giving accurate advice to eliminate this completely preventable overall control programme. disease. Similarly it is our responsibility to explain the need for monthly worming with praziquantel while abroad as well as the compulsory treatment before returning to the UK. In my opinion E. multilocularis
Let’s declare war together on fleas and tapeworm!
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Flea control Effective flea control requires a combination of environmental control and insecticidal treatment to kill adult fleas on the pet. Flea control can involve considerable effort on the part of the pet owner which is only likely to succeed if they understand the parasite’s life cycle. They need to appreciate that in modern, centrally-heated homes, the fleas can be active all year round. It is important to treat all in-contact pets and use appropriate products at the correct treatment interval. Veterinary staff should explain the importance of killing the immature fleas in the home with appropriate household sprays, supported by regular vacuum cleaning and changing of the pet’s bedding. It is important to note that the pupae can survive even rigorous use of sprays and the developing fleas will still be able to hatch and thus be seen. These fleas will die in time but can often be perceived by the owner as a treatment failure as they may manage to get onto the pets temporarily.
Education of clients as to reasonable expectations is vital to avoid complaints of seeing fleas within days of commencing a suitable treatment protocol. A popular and effective form of flea control uses one of the spot-on products such as Advocate or Advantage which will spread across the skin surface and kill adult fleas. These products will usually need to be reapplied after a month. This can be a problem for some pet owners living busy lives who may forget. But there is a convenient new option of using an insecticidal collar which can control both fleas and ticks continuously for up to eight months. Seresto has been hailed as a major advance in the development of ectoparasiticides. The collar consists of a unique polymer matrix which provides a controlled release of two proven active ingredients: imidacloprid, a potent insecticide, and flumethrin, a highly effective acaricide. This combination not only kills fleas and ticks on the pet’s body for up to eight months, it also has repellent properties which can prevent the ticks from attaching themselves to the pet’s skin in the first place. As the collar is waterproof there is no need to take it off a dog before it is bathed or goes for a swim. The product is odourless, nongreasy and can be used on puppies as young as seven weeks old and kittens from 10 weeks onwards.
Head of a cat flea
“Seresto is an excellent option for flea control, especially for the busy pet owner where monthly dosing of spot-on can easily be missed. I use Seresto commonly in combination with monthly Advocate, to provide a comprehensive parasite plan, especially in those animals that are particularly at risk during the tick season, as Seresto’s killing and repellent activity against ticks is also very impressive.” Sarah Warren, Veterinary Dermatologist
Seresto is ideal for pets with FAD if owner preference is not to use a spot-on. See our ‘Spot-on, no thanks’ parasite plan towards the back of this magazine.
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Flea allergy dermatitis FAD is the most common dermatological condition seen by vets in this country, and is a condition which can be seen year round. Affecting both cats and dogs, FAD is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction to the proteins (histamines and proteolytic enzymes) found in flea saliva. Intermittent exposure to fleas and their saliva is a trigger for this chronic condition.
Cat skin affected by FAD
In dogs, clinical signs include pruritus, crusting and alopecia usually affecting the skin around the rump, but sometimes also the ventrum. In cats, miliary dermatitis is common but sometimes the only sign seen is hair loss due to excessive grooming. In chronic FAD the skin may be prone to secondary bacterial or fungal infections, such as Staphylococcus
pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis, which can create an unpleasant odour. FAD is more common in atopic breeds, but any breed of dog or cat can be affected. FAD is uncommon in animals less than 6 months of age, and the average age at onset is 3–6 years. However, any age of animal can suffer and there is no sex predisposition. Owners of pets with FAD will sometimes tell their vets that they never see fleas on the animal’s body but it is likely that the constant grooming keeps the population down. However, it may only need an occasional flea bite to bring on an outbreak of the clinical signs. So while anti-inflammatory drugs, antimicrobials, shampoos and conditioners can relieve the signs of disease, the only longterm effective strategy is to stop the pet being bitten by fleas.
The evolution of fleas Fleas first evolved during the Jurassic period 165 million years ago. They may have evolved from scorpion flies or similar jumping insects before parasitising feathered dinosaurs and later mammals and birds. There are now over 2,500 species and sub species of flea belonging to 239 genera. All are highly specialised ectoparasites, laterally flattened to allow movement between hair and feathers. Fleas such as Ctenocephalides felis (the cat flea) and Pulex irritans (the so called “human flea”) have remained able to parasitise a number of different mammalian hosts where some species such as the tropical species Tunga penetrans have become highly specialised, burrowing under the skin of humans and pigs. The development of human civilisation in close proximity to animals carrying fleas has led
Jurassic era
Prehistoric man
to fleas living in houses and significant outbreaks of human disease. The tropical rat flea (Xenopsylla spp.) on black rats arriving on ships during the Crimean war transmitted bubonic plague to people in Britain and is still responsible for outbreaks in tropical countries today. Fleas also transmit Murine Typhus to people in these countries. In the UK fleas are not currently responsible for the spread of such devastating diseases but successive mild winters have allowed them to thrive and climate change will only favour the flea and the pathogens they harbour. The development of centrally heated homes means that reservoirs of flea populations can survive even the harshest winters and allow them to wait for favourable conditions.
Crimean War
Bubonic plague
Present day pets
The flea through the ages
Fleas first evolved 165 million years ago and continue to thrive in the present day.
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Flea transmitted diseases
As well as transmitting Dipylidium caninum, fleas act as vectors of various diseases, including:
BARTONELLA HENSELAE (Cat Scratch Disease)
FELINE LEUKAEMIA VIRUS (FeLV)
Cats act as a reservoir for an important zoonotic pathogen, Bartonella henselae, which in man causes a range of vasculoproliferative disorders. B. henselae is the most common cause of ‘Cat Scratch Disease’, characterised by lymphadenopathy. In immunocompromised individuals tumorous proliferations of endothelial cells may result, bacillary angiomatosis (in the skin) and bacillary peliosis (internal organs).
Experimentally, it has been demonstrated that fleas can transmit FeLV in cats. Uninfected fleas have been shown to become carriers after feeding on FeLV positive cats, and then to transmit the infection to cats which were previously virus negative.
The organism has been shown to be transmitted between cats by C. felis (the cat flea). Although most cats with serological evidence of exposure to B. henselae are clinically normal, infection can be associated with fever, lethargy, lymphadenopathy, uveitis, gingivitis and neurological diseases. B. henselae survives for days in flea faeces and mechanical transfer occurs between cats and from cat to human via contaminated claws, or flea faeces entering open wounds. B. henselae may also be found in dogs.
MYCOPLASMA HAEMOFELIS
(previously Haemobartonella felis) (Feline Infectious Anaemia or FIA)
Feline haemoplasmosis has been shown to be transmitted by feeding fleas. Clinical signs of disease include anaemia (which is generally macrocytic, normochromic), palor of mucous membranes, depression, weakness, inappetance and occasionally icterus and splenomegaly. Chronic disease results in weight loss and an intermittent fever may be apparent.
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Feline leukaemia virus has been shown to survive inside the flea and it remains detectable in flea faeces for many days. As flea faeces form a major part of the diet of flea larvae, this provides a possible method of dissemination of the virus amongst the flea population. This information is based on limited studies and further research is needed to look into whether this is a significant method of transmission in general practice.
MYXOMATOSIS Rabbit owners should be aware of the risks of their pet developing the fatal viral condition Myxomatosis if they are bitten by an infected flea (or other biting insects such as mosquitoes).
YERSINIA PESTIS Though it is now rare throughout the world, Yersiniosis is a bacterial disease spread by fleas that is one of the most feared of all infectious conditions- it is much better known as the plague.
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The life cycle of fleas Adult fleas live in the coats of pets, and females commonly lay up to 40-50 eggs per day. These eggs are shed from the coat into the environment. The eggs hatch within 1-6 days depending on temperature and the maggot like larvae feed on detritus, flea dirt and tapeworm eggs in the environment. The larvae moult twice before pupating. The pupae are highly resistant to insecticides, dessication and changes in temperature and can remain viable for up to 2 years. Under optimal conditions, adults can emerge after 3 weeks, emergence being triggered by movement, carbon dioxide in breath, and heat generated by potential hosts. When the adults emerge they are ravenous and people are often bitten as well as pets. Adult fleas on the pet make up only 5% of the problem, with 95% of the infestation being the other life stages in the home.
Flea laying egg
Flea larva spinning cocoon
Flea larva in carpet
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Flea egg
Flea larva emerging from egg
Advocate is ideal for both dogs or cats to stop the flea life cycle. It is also a comprehensive nematode wormer and when combined with Drontal or Profender tapeworm can be combated too. See our ‘Optimal Plans’ in this magazine
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Life cycle of tapeworm Tapeworms of cats and dogs have a complex life cycle, requiring an intermediate host. The adult tapeworm is found in the intestine, attaching to the intestinal wall by means of hooks or suckers on the head known as a scolex. Eggs or segments containing eggs are passed in the faeces and ingested by the intermediate host. This leads to cyst formation in the tissues and it is these cysts (metacestodes) which are then infective to the definitive host (usually through scavenging or predation). The details of the individual life cycles varies depending on the species of tapeworm involved.
The life cycle of the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm. Diagramatic representation of tapeworm in dog’s intestine
Proglottids break off and pass within faeces Infected adult flea is ingested by animal
Fleas and the most common type of tapeworm in cats and dogs, Dipylidium caninum are intrinsically linked but many owners are completely unaware of the link between the two. Flea larvae feed on tapeworm eggs (shed by infected pets), a larval tapeworm then forms inside the developing flea. If the new adult flea is swallowed by a pet while grooming the infectious larval tapeworm emerges and develops to adulthood in the pet’s intestine. It’s vital for the veterinary profession to educate clients about protecting their pet from both fleas and tapeworm to break this life cycle and to remember when treating a clinical case of tapeworm to also advise on flea control and vice versa.
D. caninum eggs are ingested by flea larvae
Larval flea develops into adult flea and contains immature tapeworm
Proglottids shed eggs into surrounding environment
Proglottids (segments containing eggs) are passed in faeces When a cat eats an infected mouse, adult tapeworms develop in the cat's intestine
Tapeworm eggs can be found in the faeces, on grass, in carpet pile and pet bedding
The adult Dipylidium caninum tapeworm is up to 50cm long and as well as fleas, lice can also act as intermediate hosts.
There are other tapeworms that affect cats and dogssee adjacent column for details
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A mouse ingests the eggs The eggs develop into larval tapeworms in the organs of the mouse
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Focus On Fleas & Tapeworm
Case study Lesley Gordon and Jasmine ECHINOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS In isolated areas in the UK, such as Wales and the Western Isles of Scotland, canids harbour these small adult tapeworms (5-6mm long). Ruminants, pigs and man may all act as intermediate hosts with the formation of hydatid cysts. These can lead to offal condemnation in farm animals but more seriously can lead to significant pathology in man. Infection of dogs occurs mostly through scavenging of carcasses or feeding of offal, with humans then being at risk from eggs in the dog’s faeces.
ECHINOCOCCUS MULTILOCULARIS Similar to E.granulosus but small rodents and man act as intermediate hosts. Hydatid cyst formation is highly pathogenic with potential to bud and metastasise in a similar manner to malignant tumours. This is currently not found in the UK and the tapeworm treatment requirement of the Pet Travel Scheme is intended to try to avoid its introduction.
TAENIA SPP. The adult tapeworms are large in length (up to 500cm) and cats and dogs become infected by ingestion of tissue cysts in intermediate hosts when scavenging or hunting, for example from sheep, rabbits and rodents.
Cats that regularly hunt mice are particularly at risk of Taenia taeniaformis. This tapeworm uses mice as the intermediate host and cats become infected after swallowing cysts in their tissues.
Jasmine is a two year old black moggie from Forth, South Lanarkshire. Her owner, Lesley Gordon, noticed a distinct change in her behaviour one day, which led to the discovery of an intussusception and two tapeworms in the cat’s intestine. Lesley explains: “Jasmine loves the outdoors and spends most of the day in the neighbouring gardens exploring and hunting. We regularly find small animals such as rabbits, mice and birds in the house and garden that she has caught and partially eaten.” “Normally Jasmine is very vocal and lively, so when she started to become lethargic and not interested in food one day, we knew something wasn’t right. Throughout the day her symptoms became worse, and she was lying on her side and it looked as though her stomach was contracting. We took her to our vet, Companion Care Livingston, the next morning, where she was quickly examined.” An x–ray revealed a mass in Jasmine’s intestine, which was later found to be an intussusception. During surgery to remove 10cm of the damaged intestine, the vet was shocked to find two live 20cm long tapeworms in Jasmine’s intestine. Both the damaged intestine and tapeworms were removed, and Jasmine was taken to Edinburgh Vet Hospital to recover overnight. “Jasmine fully recovered within a couple of weeks and is now back to her hunting ways. We were aware of the risk from tapeworms, and Jasmine was treated every 3- 4 months. However, following our vet’s advice we now worm her once a month to protect her from any further infestations.”
“Jasmine’s owner noticed a distinct change in her behaviour and quite rightly brought her in for a consultation. Cats with tapeworm generally have few symptoms but Jasmine had diminished appetite and she was lethargic. Generally cats may display little discomfort but owners may notice segments of a worm in the faeces. Because of the common lack of symptoms, regular preventative treatment is advised. Fleas are a host for the most common kind of tapeworm so flea control is an essential measure. As in Jasmine’s case, a cat that regularly hunts is at higher risk from Taenia tapeworms so try to minimise the amount the pet hunts.” Nick Goldfinch, Veterinary Surgeon, Companion Care Vets Livingston
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Our optimal plan for dogs Protection plan covering parasites found in the UK and Ireland. For dog owners who ‘want it all’.
Fleas Whipworm
Ear Mites
Heartworm✖
Lungworm
(D. immitis)
(A. vasorum)
MONTHLY Biting Lice
Hookworm
+ OR
QUARTERLY
+ Demodex
Roundworm
ANNUALLY
Sarcoptes
Tapeworm
Fox Lungworm
Ticks✪
(C. vulpis)
Flea Larvae
This partnership uses Advocate monthly to treat fleas, GI nematodes (roundworm, whipworm and hookworm, including Uncinaria stenocephala) and to prevent lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum); Drontal or Droncit quarterly to treat tapeworm and Seresto annually for 8 months’ tick control during the tick season. 6 J
Prevention only. Not endemic in the UK or Ireland. Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor reticulatus.
The product partnerships in this magazine are a guide only. 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. Prescribing rules should always be followed.
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Our optimal plan for cats Protection plan covering parasites found in the UK and Ireland. For cat owners who ‘want it all’.
Fleas
Ear Mites
Hookworm
MONTHLY
+ OR
Heartworm✖
Ticks❈
(D. immitis)
MONTHLY / QUARTERLY
+ ANNUALLY
Flea Larvae
Tapeworm
Roundworm
This partnership uses Advocate monthly to treat fleas and roundworm, Profender or Drontal monthly or quarterly to treat tapeworm and Seresto annually for 8 months’ tick control during the tick season. 6 ❈
Prevention only. Not endemic in the UK or Ireland. Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus turanicus.
When using two different spot-on products they should not be applied at the same time, it is generally advised to allow a minimum interval of 48 hours. When using Profender please note: Co-treatment with emodepside and macrocyclic lactones could give rise to pharmacokinetic drug interactions; the potential clinical consequences of such interactions have not been investigated. See full datasheet for further information.
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Spot-on? No thanks For instances when pet owners do not wish to use a spot-on treatment, due to reasons such as forgetfulness or personal preference, this partnership can be offered.
Fleas
Flea Larvae✧
Ticks✪ ❈
+ Biting Lice✱
Roundworm
Whipworm✱
Hookworm
Tapeworm
This partnership uses Seresto all year round (a new collar should be applied after 7-8 months) to treat fleas and ticks, and Drontal quarterly for gastrointestinal worms (roundworm, whipworm,* hookworm, including Uncinaria stenocephala* and tapeworm) NB: This partnership does not provide prevention against lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) ✱ G
Dogs only. J Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor reticulatus. ❈ Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus turanicus. Seresto protects cats’ immediate surroundings against flea larvae development for ten weeks and for dogs for eight months.
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Not registered? When faced with walk in clients who aren’t yet registered, this partnership can be offered as a parasite protection plan for dogs or cats. No prescription required.
Fleas
Flea Larvae
Biting Lice✱
MONTHLY
+
QUARTERLY
Whipworm✱
Roundworm
Tapeworm
Hookworm
This partnership uses Advantage monthly to treat fleas and protect the home environment with its larvicidal action and Drontal quarterly for gastrointestinal worms (roundworm, whipworm,* hookworm, including Uncinaria stenocephala*and tapeworm). Don’t forget, Advantage is also licensed for rabbits. NB: This partnership does not provide prevention against lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum)
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✱
Dogs only.
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Understanding flea and tapeworm control from Bayer Detailed below are some of our key flea and tapeworm products for cats and dogs, which can be effectively combined to provide a versatile range of parasite plans. See full product data sheets for further information. Category: Species:
POM–V Cats, Dogs and Ferrets Advocate is the pivotal part of both optimal plans as it provides broad– spectrum coverage of external and internal parasites. As well as fleas and worms, Advocate is also effective against mites and most important of all, is the ONLY product licensed to treat and prevent the potentially fatal Angiostrongylus vasorum. Prevention from the first dose.
Category: Species:
AVM–GSL Cats and Dogs Droncit can be combined with Advocate to include treatment against tapeworm. Droncit contains Praziquantel and is available as tablets or a spot–on (for cats) and offers a very cost effective means of bolting quarterly tapeworm control onto Advocate’s broad–spectrum coverage.
Category: Species:
NFA–VPS Cats and Dogs If you prefer to use a product with strong brand awareness, Drontal can be used in place of Droncit. As a well–established product supported by long–term consumer advertising campaigns, Drontal remains the only wormer that kills every type of intestinal worm commonly found in UK cats and dogs.
Category: Species:
POM–V Cats For cats you may prefer to use Profender as your tapewormer of choice due to the fact that it is a prescription–only spot–on and is easy to give, aiding cat owner compliance. It is always beneficial to ask cat owners if they would prefer a spot–on to a tablet as pet owners can be put off worming cats due to the difficulty associated with tableting a cat.
Category: Species:
POM–V Cats and Dogs Seresto can be incorporated into the optimal plan to offer tick control in both cats and dogs. Setting a new benchmark in tick control, Seresto is cost effective and can be added specifically for the tick season offering 8 months efficacy against ticks.
Category:
NFA–VPS
Species:
Cats, Dogs and Rabbits Advantage is ideal for clients who want flea control combined with larvicidal activity. For unregistered ‘walk in’ clients, Advantage can be effectively combined with Drontal to protect against fleas and gastrointestinal worms. No prescription required.
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More from the Focus On series The ticking time bomb The rising prevalence and wider distribution of indigenous ticks, plus the increase in pet travel along with the relaxation of pet travel rules, gives concern to Ian Wright, Vet, Parasitologist and member of the European Scientific Council of Companion Animal Parasites (ESCAPP UK). Read Ian’s views, learn how ticks are adapting to new conditions and help optimise client compliance with the first in the popular series of Focus On… magazines.
Features include: • Seresto collar protects hunting cats which may be susceptible to ticks. • Glasgow Veterinary School presents an interesting case study on CVBD.
The slimewave is upon us Be Lungworm Aware 2013 is back helping to educate clients and raise awareness of the potentially fatal parasite– Angiostrongylus vasorum. Whilst awareness is on the increase among both the public and veterinary surgeons, it is vital that we maintain the momentum of the campaign. A. vasorum is a parasite on the move so ensure your practice is up to date with the latest information and download the latest support collateral from our website.
Features include: • Ian Wright on A. vasorum and in house testing protocols for quick diagnosis. • Change in climate creates the perfect breeding ground for slugs and snails. Is the slimewave upon us? • Case studies with x–ray imagery highlight valuable learnings.
Keep a close eye on Toxocara Celebrate the joy of owning a cat or dog and the wonderful positive mental and physical health benefits a pet can bring– while managing the risks of Toxocarosis. Increase client compliance to keep pets worm–free and reduce the risk of parasitic zoonoses to pet owners and families.
Features include: • Foreword by Ian Wright introducing why we need to keep a close eye on Toxocara. • Toxocara canis life cycle is overviewed to highlight migration pathways.
Download or read the magazines for free at www.jungleforvets.co.uk
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Please speak to your Bayer Territory Manager should you have any questions relating to information contained within this magazine. www.jungleforvets.co.uk An assessment of each individual pet’s lifestyle and associated risk should be made to determine choice of parasiticidal products, spectrum of activity and frequency of administration. Prescribing rules should always be followed.
Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible) Advantage® contains imidacloprid NFA–VPS Advocate® contains imidacloprid and moxidectin POM–V Droncit® contains praziquantel AVM–GSL Drontal® contains praziquantel, pyrantel embonate and febantel NFA–VPS Profender® spot–on solution for Cats contains emodepside and praziquantel POM–V Seresto® contains imidacloprid and flumethrin POM–V Full product datasheets are available to download at www.jungleforvets.co.uk Further information is available on request. ® Registered Trade Mark of Bayer AG. Bayer plc, Animal Health Division, Bayer House, Strawberry Hill, Newbury RG14 1JA. Bayer Ltd., Animal Health Division, The Atrium, Blackthorn Road, Dublin 18. JUN.0313.LP.ZO.21
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