Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New treatment to tackle red mite in backyard poultry
The successful Exzolt treatment is now available in a smaller bottle for backyard flocks.
Treatment is administered through drinking water and has a zero-day withdrawal period for eggs.

A new treatment for red mite infestation in backyard poultry has been launched by MSD Animal Health.

The new Exzolt 50ml treatment is described as 'an extremely effective parasiticide for red mite infestation in commercial laying units'. It uses the same formula and active ingredient (fluralaner) as Exzolt but is now available in a smaller dosage bottle for distribution to backyard flocks.

“Many of the effective red mite treatments used in commercial poultry are not available to pet chicken owners which can make it very difficult to protect smaller flocks from severe infestations,” explains Steve Smith, EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Avian Medicine and Surgery. “However, this new presentation of EXZOLT® is now available to help tackle one of the most challenging diseases facing chicken owners.

“The treatment is easily administered through the drinking water, has a zero-day withdrawal period for eggs, and kills red mite at nymph and adult phases of the lifecycle which means it is more likely to clear the infestation, rather than only tackling adult mites.”

EXZOLT® 50ml has a one year broached shelf life, meaning that vets can prescribe treatment for just one chicken upwards. It also focusses on treating the chickens rather than the living environment.

“Using environmental controls can often make it difficult to locate and target all mites in order to get the results you want,” adds Steve. “As EXZOLT® 50ml is proven to have a high level of kill for 15 days post-treatment, control of red mite is likely to be far more effective. This is because it treats the chickens meaning all active feeding parasites are exposed to treatment, whereas environmental controls only provide a superficial level of treatment.”

From Monday 29 June, there will be a series of CPD accredited webinars to support vets who are seeing pet chickens in practice. These will include expert advice on how to spot and treat common poultry diseases, practical advice when carrying out clinical examinations, and the importance of preventive health care.

Vets wishing to find out more, and to register for the webinar series, are urged to contact their local MSD Animal Health UK representative.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.