IMPACT OF AN ORALLY-ADMINISTERED INSECT GROWTH-REGULATOR (LUFENURON) ON FLEA INFESTATIONS OF DOGS IN A CONTROLLED SIMULATED HOME-ENVIRONMENT

Objective-To evaluate the ability of lufenuron to control cat flea (Ct enocephalides felis felis) populations on dogs under conditions simula ting a naturally infested home environment. Design-2 treatment and 2 c ontrol groups of dogs. Treated dogs received lufenuron in tablet form monthly, and controls received excipient. Dogs had unrestricted access to indoor (carpeted) and outdoor (grassy) environments in which self- propagating flea populations had been established. Animals-17 adult fe male Beagles. Procedure-Dogs were monitored for 77 days after initial infestation with fleas and 70 days after initial treatment. Efficacy o f the drug was calculated on the basis of absolute reduction in flea c ounts and as a percentage of control. Results-Lufenuron administration caused a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in flea burde ns in treated dogs, compared with controls. Initiation of treatment 7 days after infestation resulted in 75% control of F-1-generation and 9 7% control of F-2-generation fleas over a 70-day posttreatment period. Conclusions-Lufenuron was highly effective in reducing flea population s on dogs. The time required for control will vary with the duration ( generation time) of the flea reproductive cycle and, hence, the geogra phic area in which the product will be used. The experimental results are most relevant to use of the product for control of an existing fle a population in the Midwest.