Evaluation of the bioequivalence of two formulations of deltamethrin for treatment of sheep with psoroptic mange.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy of 2 deltamethrin emulsifiable concentrates that differed on the basis of vehicle (methyl glycol acetate [AMG] or 2-propylene glycol 1-methyl ether acetate [AMP]) for the treatment of sheep with mange.

ANIMALS

30 ewes between 11 months and 7 years old that weighed 16 to 71 kg and were naturally infested with Psoroptes ovis.

PROCEDURE

Sheep were randomly allocated into 3 groups (13 sheep in group AMP, 13 sheep in group AMG, and 4 negative-control sheep). Each sheep was dipped twice (10-day interval between dippings) in the assigned formulation. Assessment of efficacy was performed on days 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, and 63 after the first dipping. Efficacy was assessed by determining the number of eggs or live mites on those days, as well as regrowth of wool at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Psoroptic mange infestation was maintained in the 4 control sheep throughout the study. We did not detect live Psoroptes mites in scrapings after day 7 (AMP group) or after day 14 (AMG group). No parasites were seen after day 14 in either treatment group. Therefore, efficacy was 100% for both treatment groups from days 14 to 63.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The 2 formulations of deltamethrin were equally able to eradicate Psoroptes infestation of sheep after 2 dippings performed in accordance with the label recommendations.