Field efficacy of moxidectin in dogs and rabbits naturally infested with Sarcoptes spp., Demodex spp. and Psoroptes spp. mites

The efficacy of moxidectin 1% injectable for cattle was evaluated in dogs a nd rabbits with naturally acquired sarcoptic, demodectic or psoroptic mites . Twenty-two dogs with generalised demodicosis were orally treated with 0.4 mg/kg moxidectin daily. Forty-one dogs suffering from sarcoptic mange were treated with 0.2-0.25 mg/kg moxidectin either orally or subcutaneously eve ry week for three to six times. Seven rabbits were treated orally with 0.2 mg/kg moxidectin twice 10 days apart. Of the 22 dogs with demodicosis, 14% were stopped treatment because of side effects, 14% were lost and of the re maining 72% all were cured (mean therapy duration 2.4 months). Thirty-seven of the sarcoptic mange-infected dogs finished treatment and were cured. In 17% of dogs, side effects were noted. All seven rabbits treated for psorop tic mange were cured and did not show any side effect. Out results indicate that moxidectin is effective and a good alternative for the treatment of d emodicosis and scabies in dogs and psoroptic mange in rabbits. Side effects seem to occur more frequently if applied subcutaneously, therefore the ora l route should be preferred. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.