Control of fleas on naturally infested dogs and cats and in private residences with topical spot applications of fipronil or imidacloprid

Thirty-four flea-infested dogs and cats residing in 20 homes in Tampa, FL w ere randomly placed into 1 of 2 treatment groups during the summer of 1997. Pets were treated topically with either 10.0% w/v imidacloprid or 10% w/v fipronil spot-on on day 0, then once for every 28-30 days for 90 days. Flea populations were assessed in the environment using an intermittent-light t rap, while pet flea burdens were assessed using visual area counts. A singl e application of imidacloprid was 95.3 and 97.4% effective in reducing flea populations on pets at 7 and 28 days, respectively. A single application o f fipronil was 97.5 and 97.0% effective in reducing flea populations on pet s at the same time points. Following 3 monthly applications of either imida cloprid or fipronil, flea burdens on pets were reduced by 99.5 and 96.5%, r espectively. In addition, flea numbers in the in-home environment were redu ced by 99.0 and 98.6% in homes, where pets were treated with imidacloprid o r fipronil, respectively. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.