Oral administration of moxidectin for treatment of murine acariosis due to Radfordia affinis

A field trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of oral administration of moxidectin in mice naturally infected with the fur mites Radfordia affinis. The natural infection was diagnosed in two colonies within a large academic institution by direct hair examination. Animals received moxidectin (1% Cydectin, FortDodge) at an oral dosage of approximately 2 mg/kg body weight by micropipette; administration was repeated after 15 days. Forty mice served as an untreated control group. Moxidectin treatment resulted in clinical improvement within a few days after initial treatment, and mites were eradicated from all infested animals at day 30. No side effects or signs of ill health were observed in any of the treated animals. To our knowledge, this is the first report of oral moxidectin for treatment of murine acariosis.