A randomized, blinded, controlled USA field study to assess the use of fluralaner topical solution in controlling feline flea infestations

Abstract

BackgroundFleas are a common ectoparasite of domestic cats and there is a need for novel treatments that improve feline flea control.MethodsThis investigator-blinded, multi-center randomized, positive-controlled study evaluated the flea control in cats provided by a single owner-applied treatment with a fluralaner topical formulation compared with a positive control. Households with up to five healthy cats, all at least 12 weeks of age and weighing at least 1.2 kg (2.6 lb), were randomized in an approximate 3:1 ratio of fluralaner to positive control. All cats in households randomized to the positive control group were dispensed three treatments, at 4-week intervals, of a commercial formulation of fipronil/(S)-methoprene. All cats in households randomized to the fluralaner group were dispensed an initial treatment at enrollment and a second treatment at week 12 for an additional 3-week observation of treatment safety. One primary cat with at least five live fleas at enrollment was randomly selected within each household. Flea counts were performed on all primary cats at 4-week intervals through week 12. Efficacy measurement was based on reduction in flea counts from baseline. Treatment was considered effective at weeks 4, 8 and 12 if mean live flea count reductions were 90% or greater and statistically significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from counts at enrollment.ResultsIn 18 investigational veterinary clinics across 11 USA states, 116 households (224 cats) were randomized to receive topical fluralaner and 45 households (87 cats) were randomized to the fipronil-methoprene combination. Fluralaner was demonstrated to be effective at 4 weeks (99.1% flea count reduction), 8 weeks (99.5%), and 12 weeks (99.0%), and all reductions were significantly different from the enrollment count (all P < 0.0001). The fipronil-methoprene combination was < 90% effective at each post-treatment assessment, with peak efficacy of 75.4% at 12 weeks (all P < 0.0001). No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported in either group.ConclusionsOwner-applied fluralaner topical treatment was safe in cats and was highly effective in killing fleas over the subsequent 12 weeks.

In-home assessment of either topical fluralaner or topical selamectin for flea control in naturally infested cats in West Central Florida, USA

“…Flea control efficacy observed following topical administration of fluralaner to cats in the present study was very similar to results of a previously published multicentric study in the United States [ 12 ] when topically administered fluralaner provided 99.1% reduction in flea counts on cats within 4 weeks and was 99.0% effective at 12 weeks. However, the selamectin flea control efficacy in this study is lower than results reported in earlier laboratory and field studies [ 20 – 23 ].…”

“…A new class of ectoparasiticides, the isoxazolines shows rapid residual speed of kill of fleas infesting dogs in both laboratory and field trials [ 5 – 9 ]. Recently a topical formulation of the isoxazoline fluralaner (Bravecto® Topical Solution, Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ, USA) was introduced as an ectoparasiticide for dogs and cats [ 10 – 12 ]. This is the only topical isoxazoline formulation available to veterinarians in the USA at present.…”

Field effectiveness and safety of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus) against ticks and fleas: a European randomized, blinded, multicenter field study in naturally-infested client-owned cats

“…The results provide further substantiation of the efficacy of fluralaner against Ctenocephalides felis , which has been shown to be the dominant flea species in Europe [ 29 ]. These findings reinforce those from a USA field study where there was a 98.6–99.1% reduction in flea counts in treated cats for 12 weeks following a single fluralaner treatment [ 16 ]. In other studies with shorter-acting spot-on or oral products in cats, three consecutive monthly administrations have been required to reach 12 weeks of efficacy whereas fluralaner (with or without moxidectin) has been shown to achieve this efficacy duration following a single dose.…”

A randomized, blinded, controlled, multi-centered field study assessing the treatment of gastrointestinal nematode infections in cats with fluralaner plus moxidectin spot-on solution (Bravecto® Plus)

“…The safety of both fluralaner and moxidectin in cats, as single entity or combination products, has been well established in field and laboratory studies over years of use [ 11 , 13 , 14 , 17 , 20 – 23 ]. This study confirmed that fluralaner plus moxidectin (at dose rates from 40–93 mg fluralaner and 2–4.65 mg moxidectin/kg) and emodepside plus praziquantel were safe and well tolerated by cats under field conditions.…”

“…The extended duration of activity of fluralaner provides veterinarians with a means to help improve owner compliance with parasite control recommendations, as well as substantially reducing or even removing the risk of parasite-related disease [ 10 ]. In a randomized, controlled field study in client-owned cats in the USA, there was an at least 98.6% reduction in flea counts for 12 weeks following a single topical application of fluralaner [ 11 ].…”