Laboratory investigations on pigs with the new anthelmintic fenbendazole.

The efficacy of fenbendazole was investigated in piglets infected artificially with Hyostrongylus rubidus and Oesophagostomum spp. After administration of 3.5 mg/kg, five-day-old stages of H rubidus were reduced by 72.5 per cent; an effect of 78.4 per cent, 96.0 per cent and 100 per cent was achieved against five-day-old, 16-day-old and 42-day-old stages, respectively, of H rubidus using a dose of 5 mg/kg. A 55 per cent effect was obtained against five-day-old stages after the administration of 3.5 mg/kg. A dose of 5 mg/kg reduced five-day-old, 16-day-old and 42-day-old stages of Oesophagotomum spp by 72.6 per cent, 44 per cent and 100 per cent respectively.     

Experimental infections with Hyostrongylus rubidus and the effects on performance of growing pigs

Pigs infected with Hyostrongylus rubidus at the rate of 550 larvae kg-1 body weight followed 15 days later with 220 larvae kg-1 body weight gained less weight (P less than 0.010) than uninfected control pigs. Feed efficiency (feed/gain) was 8% better (P greater than 0.10) in control than in infected pigs. Peak H. rubidus eggs per gram counts (EPG) occurred 22 days after each infection of pigs. H. rubidus EPG at necropsy were correlated with total number of adults recovered and with female/male ratio. High EPG were associated with H. rubidus populations composed of approximately equal numbers of males and females. Digestion trials consisted of pigs infected with 335 larvae kg-1 body weight compared to uninfected controls. Control pigs had higher (P less than 0.05) crude protein digestion coefficients, excreted less (P less than 0.05) N in feces and had a higher (P less than 0.05) N balance than infected pigs.     

Gastritis in Sows Due to Hyostrongylus Ruridus–In One Case Associated with Balantidium Coli

Three cases of gastritis in sows due to the stomach worm Hyostrongylus rubidus are described. This disease has not previously been reported from the Scandinavian countries.Diffuse gastritis and extreme emaciation were the essential findings at necropsy in all 3 cases.In 2 animals the gastric changes consisted of diffuse nodular hyperplasia of the mucosa. In the third case similar hyperplastic changes were present, but these were largely obscured by a superimposed extensive diphtheresis of the mucosa.The gastric changes in cases of hyostrongylosis reported in the literature and the conceptions regarding their pathogenesis are reviewed and discussed.In the sow with diphtheroid gastritis large numbers of Balantidium coli, in addition to H. rubidus, were present in the altered stomach mucosa. It is assumed that the gastritis due to H. rubidus has resulted in gastric hypochlorhydria thus creating an environment of sufficiently low acidity for ingested Balantidium spp. to live and multiply. Whether this parasite has participated in the development of the gastric diphtheresis is impossible to ascertain.     

The therapeutic effects of 2,3-butanedione monoxime and atropine in severe dichlorvos intoxication in buffalo calves

2,3-Butanedione monoxime and atropine alone or in combination were evaluated for their ability to alleviate the toxicity and to reverse the biochemical changes induced by dichlorvos in the blood of buffalo calves. Treatment with 2,3-butanedione monoxime plus atropine 30 min after oral administration of dichlorvos (160 mg/kg) eliminated the apparent toxic signs within 10–15 min, completely prevented lethality, and reversed the dichlorvos-induced alterations in the concentrations of serum carboxylesterase, total plasma proteins, blood glucose and plasma cholinesterase within 2, 4, 12 and 168 h, respectively. Treatment with either 2,3-butanedione monoxime or atropine alone was less effective but the former was the more potent of the two in counteracting the biochemical effects of dichlorvos. These antidotal studies suggest that 2,3-butanedione monoxime in conjunction with atropine would provide effective therapy against severe dichlorvos intoxication in buffalo.     

大田常用农药对家蚕的熏蒸毒性测试

为减少粮桑混栽地区大田使用农药不当对蚕桑生产造成的损失,采用密闭熏蒸法测定了7种大田常用农药对家蚕的熏蒸毒性。在30℃环境中经过24 h,对2龄起蚕的LC50:敌敌畏0.1860 mg/m3,敌畏.毒1.3241 mg/m3,毒死蜱48.4111 mg/m3,氟腈.唑磷139.8818 mg/m3,三唑磷161.1514 mg/m3,氟虫腈208.330 mg/m3,吡虫啉333.330mg/m3时2龄起蚕仍无中毒症状。在25℃下经过24 h,对2龄起蚕的LC50:敌敌畏0.2020 mg/m3,敌畏.毒3.7282mg/m3,毒死蜱91.3669 mg/m3。结果表明:农药对家蚕的熏蒸毒性随着温度的升高而增强;敌敌畏、敌畏.毒对家蚕的熏蒸毒性最强,毒死蜱有一定的熏蒸毒性,三唑磷、氟腈.唑磷、氟虫腈、吡虫啉对家蚕的熏蒸毒性较小。     

Comparative efficacy of fenthion, dichlorvos/fenitrothion and permethrin against the flea, Ctenocephahdes felis, on the dog

In a series of three replicated and controlled trials, nine dogs artificially infected with Ctenocephalides felis were treated with a systemically active ‘spot-on’ formulation of fenthion, six with a topical spray containing dichlorvos and fenitrothion and six with a surface active ‘spot-on’ preparation containing permethrin, all at recommended dose rates. Good knockdown efficacy was apparent at eight hours with the dichlorvos/fenitrothion combination and at 24 hours with the other formulations. Efficacy values in excess of 95 per cent persisted for at least 22 days in the case of the systemic fenthion preparation and the permethrin product and eight days for the dichlorvos and fenitrothion combination. Twenty-nine days after treatment there was still substantial protection in the fenthion- and permethrin-treated animals, indicated by an 88 and a 77 per cent reduction in flea counts in the two groups, respectively.     

Efficacy of flubendazole against gastrointestinal and lung nematodes in pigs

Three trials were carried out on landrace pigs of various ages to assess the anthelmintic efficacy of flubendazole. The pigs were either artificially infected with Metastrongylus apri or naturally or artificially infected with the gastrointestinal nematodes Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum dentatum or Hyostrongylus rubidus. For mass medication of young pigs and fatteners a dose regimen of 30 ppm flubendazole in the feed for 10 consecutive days was 100 per cent effective against the four nematode species. For individual medication a single dose of 5 mg/kg bodyweight administered in a small amount of feed was also 100 per cent effective. No side effects were observed.     

Monitoring the helmintological situation in a large-scale reproduction of pigs]

In 1976 to 1978, the occurrence of helminths in a large reproduction herd of pigs was studied in different age categories of the animals kept. Six helminth species were found in 30.7% of the sows: Ascaris suum (6.6%), Oesophagostomum dentatum (24.0%), Hyostrongylus rubidus (3.3%), Trichocephalus suis (1.3%), Strongyloides ransomi (0.7%), Metastrongylus sp. (0.3%). Four- to seven-month-old auction gilts had only the eggs of A. suum (4% of all cases). No helminith eggs were found in fattened piglets. Breeding boars were invaded by the species O. dentatum, H. rubidus and Metastrongylus sp. In elite herds and in gilts introduced from these herds, a higher extensity of invasion by different helminth species was found during quarantine and the findings even included the eggs of the species Capillaria sp. The anthelmintic effectiveness of Helmirazin (SpOFA) was also tested: in A. suum its effectiveness was 77.1%, in O. dentatum 66.2%, in T. suis the preparation remained ineffective. The technology of large-scale pig breeding under the conditions of reproduction herd of the PM-013-AGP type appears to be suitable from the helminthological points of view. In the planned introduction of animals from other breeding establishments it is necessary to subject the gilts to double treatment with an effective anthelmintic.     

Prevalence of common gastrointestinal nematode parasites in scavenging pigs of different ages and sexes in eastern centre province, Burkina Faso

The range and infestation intensities of gastrointestinal parasitic nematode species depend on the type of swine production system. The present study focused mainly on nematodes of veterinary importance in scavenging pigs in Burkina Faso, and aimed at determining the prevalence of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites by means of faecal egg per gram (EPG) counts. Between November 2001 and October 2002, faecal samples from 383 pigs of different sexes and ages (< 5 months, 5-12 months and > 12 months) were collected from the rectum and examined for gastrointestinal nematodes parasites using the Mc Master method. Of the 383 pigs examined, 91% were infected by one or more parasites. Ascaris suum (40%; 100-1 400 EPG) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Strongyloides ransomi (21%; 100-4200 EPG), Oesophagostomum spp. (18%; 100-1000 EPG), Hyostrongylus rubidus (11%; 100-1 800 EPG), Globocephalus spp. (10%; 100-400 EPG) and Trichuris suis (1 %; 100-200 EPG). The prevalence was significantly higher in female pigs (n = 239) than in males. In addition, females excreted significantly (P < 0.05) more eggs in their faeces than males, except in the case of Globocephalus spp. The age of the animal had no effect on the prevalence of A. suum whereas there were significant differences in age categories concerning S. ransomi, H. rubidus, Oesophagostumum spp. and Globocephalus spp. Unexpectedly, the high prevalence of these common parasites was not accompanied by elevated EPG values, which suggests the existence of moderate infestations. The present work indicates that the common nematode infestations in pigs do not necessarily need a systematic herd anthelmintic treatment, as only a small number of worms is required to induce immunity. A further study is needed to formulate appropriate and cost-effective strategies for the control of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites in pigs in Burkina Faso.     

Efficacy of dichlorvos, fenbendazole, and ivermectin in swine with induced intestinal nematode infections

Anthelmintic efficacies of dichlorvos, fenbendazole, and ivermectin were compared in specific-pathogen-free crossbred weanling pigs inoculated with Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, and Oesophagostomum dentatum. On postinoculation day (PID) 50, 24 pigs in each treatment group were treated orally with 43 mg of dichlorvos/kg of body weight, 3 X 3 mg of fenbendazole/kg, or 300 micrograms of ivermectin/kg, SC. Twenty-four pigs were not treated. On posttreatment day 7 (PID 57), 12 pigs from each treatment group (phase I) were slaughtered, and the anthelmintic efficacy of each treatment was determined. Efficacies against A suum, T suis, and O dentatum, respectively, were: dichlorvos, 100%, 99.9%, and 100%; fenbendazole, 100%, 99.8%, and 100%; and ivermectin, 98.7%, 53.9%, and 87.6%. Weight gains and feed conversions of the remaining pigs were monitored until they reached market weight (phase II). The average weight gains (kg) and feed conversions (kg of feed/kg of gain) at posttreatment day 81 (PID 131), respectively, were: 73.6 and 3.44 for nontreated controls, 78.9 and 3.31 for dichlorvos-treated pigs, 72.1 and 3.36 for fenbendazole-treated pigs, and 74 and 3.48 for ivermectin-treated pigs. Differences in average weight gains and feed conversions were not significant (P greater than 0.05).     

Comparative efficacy of several disinfectants in suspension and carrier tests against Haemophilus parasuis serovars 1 and 5

The comparative efficacy of 16 active compounds (including the most commonly used chemical groups) and 10 commercial formulations against Haemophilus parasuis serovars 1 and 5 was studied. These organisms were tested in suspension and carrier tests in the presence and absence of serum as representative of organic matter. Chloramine-T and half of the formulations from commercial sources (most of them including quaternary ammonium compounds) were effective in both in vitro tests, regardless of the presence or absence of organic load. All 26 disinfectants except for an iodophor (0.1% available iodine) resulted in at least 3-log₁₀ reduction in colony-forming units in suspension test, and most of them resulted in the maximal level of detection (>6-log₁₀ reduction). On the other hand, disinfectants were not as effective in carrier test as in suspension test, and the presence of serum considerably reduced the activities of most of the compounds tested, especially in carrier test. These results suggest the importance of selecting suitable disinfection for routine use on surfaces contaminated with H. parasuis, particularly when organic matter is present. Chloramine-T and formulations 2 and 7–10 are recommended for a complete inactivation of H. parasuis in swine herds.     

Larvicidal effects of several chemicals on Strongyloides infective larvae

The larvicidal effects of 11 anthelmintics, 7 pesticides and 4 disinfectants were evaluated with infective larvae of Strongyloides papillosus (SPL) and Strongyloides venezuelensis (SVZ). The lethal concentrations against SPL and SVZ were found to be similar. Three chemicals (dichlorvos, levamisole and trichlorfon) showed highest larvicidal effects. The 50% lethal concentration (LC(50)) values for the three compounds against SPL larvae were 0.08, 0.24, and 0.59 ppm, respectively.     

Efficacy of an in-feed ivermectin formulation against gastrointestinal helminths, lungworms, and sarcoptic mites in swine

The efficacy of ivermectin as an in-feed formulation was evaluated against naturally acquired gastrointestinal helminths, lungworms, and sarcoptic mites (experiment 1; n = 24) and against induced infection with intestinal nematodes (experiment 2; n = 24) in pigs. Treatments consisted of ivermectin administered in feed at concentrations calculated to provide 100 or 200 micrograms/kg of body weight/d for 7 days or of nonmedicated feed (controls) for 7 days. At concentration of 100 micrograms of ivermectin/kg/d, efficacy against naturally acquired infections was 97.7% for Ascaris suum, 97.8% for Metastrongylus spp, greater than 99% for Oesophagostomum spp, 100% for Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, and 89.7% for Ascarops strongylina. Against induced infections (fourth-stage larvae), efficacy was 100% for A suum and 96.9% for Oesophagostomum spp. At concentration of 200 micrograms of ivermectin/kg/d, efficacy against naturally acquired infections was 100% for A suum, Hyostrongylus rubidus, Metastrongylus spp, and Ascarops strongylina; greater than 99% for Oesophagostomum spp; and 85.9% for Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. Against induced infections (fourth-stage larvae), efficacy was 100% for A suum and 95% for Oesophagostomum spp. At concentrations of 100 and 200 micrograms of ivermectin/kg/d, efficacy against Sarcoptes scabiei var suis was evidenced by elimination of the mite by posttreatment day 14.     

Organophosphate poisoning of Atlantic salmon in connection with treatment against salmon lice

Three incidents with high mortality in Atlantic salmon after trichlorfon treatment against salmon lice are described. All 3 incidents occurred at water temperatures of 12 degrees C or higher. The mean brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of dead fish was less than 20% of normal activity, while survivors showed mean activities of 22-61% of normal levels. Dichlorvos residues in muscular and liver tissues ranged from nondetectable levels to 0.2 micrograms/g tissue. The strongest inhibition of brain AChE was found in association with the highest dichlorvos residues. Substantial AChE-inhibition was, however, also found in samples in which dichlorvos residues could not be detected. AChE-determination was found to be more reliable than residue analysis for the diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning in salmon.     

Effect of levamisole on the clinical and immunologic responses to oral vaccine of Treponema hyodysenteriae

Conventionally raised crossbred Hampshire pigs were vaccinated orally with attenuated Treponema hyodysenteriae in combination with an anthelmintic, levamisole or dichlorvos. Pigs in group I (n = 9) were treated with levamisole and vaccinated with attenuated T hyodysenteriae and those in group II (n = 9) were treated with levamisole and permitted to commingle (contact exposure) with group I. Pigs in group III (n = 9) were vaccinated in a similar manner and were treated with dichlorvos. Pigs in group IV (n = 9) were treated with dichlorvos and permitted to commingle with group III. Control pigs (group V; n = 9) were not given any anthelmintic, nor were they vaccinated; they were housed separately. During the 8-week interval between vaccination and challenge inoculation, 4 total days and 8 total days of diarrhea were observed in pigs in groups I and II, respectively. Likewise, 5 total days and 10 total days of diarrhea were seen in groups III and IV, respectively. In all groups, the pigs tended to shed the organism in their feces after they were vaccinated or challenge inoculated, as determined by a fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) and culture procedure (CP). Overall mean shedding patterns of 5.5% and 24.5% identified by CP and FAT, respectively, were seen in the 2 levamisole-treated groups (I and II). In contrast, mean shedding patterns of 4% and 18% of the isolation attempts were detected by CP and FAT, respectively, in the 2 dichlorvos-treated groups. Diarrhea and shedding of T hyodysenteriae in the controls (group V) did not occur.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Development of a novel in vitro equine anthelmintic assay

An in vitro assay involving the use of a horse strongyle (Strongylus edentatus) and the micromotility meter has been developed to test for equine anthelmintic activity. Three commercially available equine anthelmintics (dichlorvos, ivermectin, and pyrantel pamoate) and an investigational drug (p-toluoyl chloride phenylhydrazone) were evaluated in this assay at four concentrations. After a 24-h incubation, greater than or equal to 10 micrograms/ml of all four drug treatments significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) reduced the motility of ensheathed L-3 S. edentatus larvae, thereby indicating anthelmintic activity. Pyrantel pamoate also reduced motility at 1 microgram/ml, while the hydrazone significantly increased movement at this level. At 0.1 microgram/ml, none of the treatments significantly reduced motility; one treatment (dichlorvos) significantly increased larval motility. Incubation for 48 h resulted in significant activity (reduction in motility) at greater than or equal to 1 microgram/ml with two drugs (ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate); dichlorvos and the hydrazone reduced motility at greater than or equal to 10 micrograms/ml. None of the treatments significantly reduced motility at the lowest concentration (0.1 microgram/ml); however, at 48 h, two treatments (dichlorvos, hydrazone) significantly increased motility at the lowest concentration (0.1 microgram/ml). The in vitro S. edentatus motility assay proved to be sensitive, accurate and rapid. This assay system should be a valuable addition to tests used to identify potential equine anthelmintics, monitor helminth resistance to drugs, and perhaps define the kinetics and mode of action for drugs.     

A survey of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs of the Plateau and Rivers States, Nigeria

Faecal samples were collected from a total of 1,000 pigs from the Port Harcourt and Jos areas of the Rivers and Plateau States, respectively, between January 1987 and March 1988. In the Jos area the parasite incidence was: Ascaris suum 53.1%, Trichuris suis 8.5%, Hyostrongylus rubidus 13.1%, Metastrongylus salmi 3.7%, Strongyloides ransomi 87.7%, Oesophagostomum dentatum 35.1% and Eimeria spp. 2.4% while in Port Harcourt the incidence rate was Ascaris suum 10.4%, Trichuris suis 47.2%, Oesophagostomum dentatum 50%, Hyostrongylus rubidus 2%, Ancylostoma duodenale 83.2% and Eimeria spp. 3.6%. The high rate of parasitic infections was due to poor management practices as shown by poor sanitary conditions. Access to human faeces, poor feeding and lack of deworming were also very evident. The different rates in the incidence of parasites in Jos and Port Harcourt areas were due to the varying moisture conditions in these states.     

Preliminary trials using a macrocyclic lactone against psoroptic scabies of cattle

A macrocyclic lactone, LL-F28249 alpha, C36H52O8, was evaluated as a one- or two-injection treatment in different formulations and concentrations against cattle infested with Psoroptes ovis (Hering). One injection of 2 mg kg-1 or two injections of 1 mg kg-1 of 3% active material in either an aqueous or oil formulation failed to eliminate all of the mites. A single injection of 3 mg kg-1 as a 5% aqueous formulation eliminated all mites for 35 days post-injection. At lower dosages of the aqueous formulation (3%), the male mites appeared to be less susceptible to the acaricide than either the female or immature mites.     

Resistance to macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics by Haemonchus contortus and Ostertagia circumcincta in sheep in New Zealand

AIM: To establish the efficacy of oral formulations of ivermectin and moxidectin against naturally acquired abomasal nematode infections on a North Island sheep farm. METHODS: Two controlled slaughter trials were undertaken. In the first, 30 sheep on pasture were randomly allocated on the basis of faecal egg count to 1 of 3 groups, comprising an untreated control group and 2 treatment groups. One treatment group was given a single oral dose of ivermectin and the other a single oral dose of moxidectin, both at the manufacturer's recommended dose rates of 0.2 mg/kg liveweight. Six days after treatment, all animals were slaughtered and their abomasa recovered for worm counting. The second trial, which involved 47 animals, was essentially the same as the first except that, as well as involving the slaughter of 30 sheep from all 3 groups, 6 days after treatment, it also included a further 8 untreated control animals and 9 moxidectin treated animals which were slaughtered 27 days after treatment. RESULTS: At 6 days after treatment, moxidectin was highly effective against all 3 of the abomasal nematodes present. While ivermectin was similarly effective against Trichostrongylus axei 6 days after treatment, it was not effective against either Ostertagia circumcinta or Haemonchus contortus, against which average efficacies of only 63.6% and 61.6%, respectively, were recorded. At 27 days after treatment, moxidectin, was also highly effective against T. axei (97.3% reduction) but not against either H. contortus (71.4% reduction) or O. circumcinta (61.0% reduction). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide the first record of macrocyclic lactone resistance in H. contortus in sheep or in any other host in New Zealand, and the first case where such resistance has been exhibited in more than one parasite species at a time. Although the therapeutic efficacy of moxidectin was high against these resistant H. contortus and O. circumcincta strains, resistance to moxidectin was indicated by its diminished prophylactic activity against them. It is suggested that this reduction in the prophylactic activity of moxidectin is also likely to reduce its apparent current high therapeutic efficacy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As well as providing further evidence that it can no longer be automatically assumed that macrocylic lactone anthelmintics will be effective on sheep farms in this country, these findings also present a warning that increasingly complex parasite control options may have to be faced in the future.     

Protectivity conferred by immunization with intranasal recombinant outer membrane protein H from Pasteurella multocida serovar A:1 in chickens

Recombinant outer membrane protein H (rOmpH) is a potential fowl cholera vaccine candidate. The present study was aimed at developing rOmpH formulations for intranasal administration. The rOmpH was purified and formulated with either Escherichia coli enterotoxin B (LTB) or CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) as an adjuvant. Antibody responses in chickens intranasally immunized with rOmpH in combination with 2 different adjuvants were significantly increased (P<0.05) post immunization. Chicken survival rates showed that rOmpH formulated with ODN and LTB elicited 90% and 70% protection, respectively. Our findings indicated that rOmpH formulated with ODN elicited protection better than that formulated with LTB. Therefore, the vaccines formulations in the present study can be considered new intranasal vaccine formulations for fowl cholera in chickens.