New control option for lice, ticks and keds in sheep

From this week, sheep farmers will have another product to select from for treatment and prevention of infestations by ticks, lice and keds with Bimeda launching Dectospot.

The product, which contains the active ingredient Deltamethrin, is also licensed for the treatment of established blowfly strike on sheep but does not provide protective cover. In lambs, it is licensed for the treatment and prevention of infestations by ticks and lice.

Dectospot is being highlighted by the company for its ease of use. The solution is applied at one site between the shoulder blades and along the mid-line of the back. For the 250ml and 500ml pack sizes, it is applied as a pour-on from the graduated measuring chamber while for the 1l and 2.5l packs, the product is applied with an applicator. The summary of product characteristics advise that the 5ml dose rate for sheep should be applied to the skin of the animal, with the advice for ticks, lice and keds to part the fleece before applying.

One application is said to reduce the incidence of a biting lice or ked infestation over a four- to six-week period after treatment. The withdrawal period for sheepmeat is 35 days. The product characteristics also advise keeping treated and untreated animals separate to prevent the risk of reinfection and prevent the risk of cross-contamination of non-treated animals due to grooming (licking).

Dectospot is also licensed for use in cattle. It is targeted for the treatment and prevention of sucking and biting lice and as an aid in treatment and prevention of infestations by biting and nuisance flies. With a 10ml dosage, the product characteristics say Dectospot will generally eradicate all lice with complete clearance taking up to four to five weeks, during which time lice hatch from the eggs and are killed. There is a zero withdrawal period in milk and an 18-day withdrawal for meat and offal.

The recommended retail price is €80 to €85 including VAT for a 1l size container.