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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Pharmacol Ther / Control of ticks on horses using abamectin-impregnated ear t...
Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics2022; 45(5); 473-480; doi: 10.1111/jvp.13084

Control of ticks on horses using abamectin-impregnated ear tags. A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study.

Abstract: Several different tick species are known to infest horses. Aside from causing serious health and welfare issues, including anaemia, ill thrift, and immunosuppression, ticks can transmit a variety of important, sometimes zoonotic, pathogens. The successful prevention and treatment of tick infestations have been described, but the information is scarce and, in many instances, anecdotal. Here we describe a practical and affordable prevention of tick infestation by using abamectin-impregnated cattle ear tags affixed to a safety collar. We have assessed the radial distribution of abamectin by analyzing hair samples, as well as its efficacy against tick infestations. The study results show that abamectin distributes across horse skin from the site of application and its associated effectiveness in reducing the tick burden.
© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2022-06-28 PubMed ID: 35762629DOI: 10.1111/jvp.13084Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates the use of abamectin-impregnated ear tags, originally designed for cattle, as a potential solution for controlling tick infestations in horses. Involving the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of abamectin, the research shows that this technique can be both practical and affordable, and provides evidence of successful reduction in tick burden on horses.

Research Focus and Methodology

  • The objective of this study was to explore a potential technique for preventing tick infestations in horses. For this purpose, researchers employed the use of ear tags impregnated with abamectin, a drug customarily used in cattle, fixed to a safety collar for horses.
  • The research process involved scrutiny of both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of abamectin. Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of drugs within the body, whereas pharmacodynamics involves the study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanism of action.
  • Part of the methodology featured analyzing hair samples from horses, which helped the scientists assess the radial distribution of abamectin across the skin of the horses from the point of application.

Key Findings of the Study

  • The results from the study suggest that abamectin was effectively distributed from the site of application across the skin of the horses. This led to a successful prevention of tick infestations and demonstrates a promising potential for the use of abamectin-impregnated ear tags as a practical and cost-effective solution against ticks in horses.
  • The findings of this study also provide valuable data and insights to supplement the arguably scarce existing literature on the successful prevention and treatment of tick infestations. Given the significant health problems that ticks can cause in horses, including anaemia, ill thrift, and immunosuppression, as well as transmission of pathogens, this research offers an accessible preventive strategy.

Implications of the Study

  • The implications of this research extend beyond just horses. If proven effective and safe, the methodology tested in this study could be applied to other animals afflicted by tick infestations.
  • Due to its practical nature, this preventive strategy could be rolled out on a large scale and used by animal healthcare providers and owners alike. Its affordability ensures it is accessible for wealthier and poorer regions alike.
  • The study could stimulate related research into improving the delivery technology of anti-tick treatments, which could lead to even better protection mechanisms against tick-borne diseases.

Cite This Article

APA
Werners A, Karasek I, Butler C, Yeatts J, Enomoto H, Baynes R. (2022). Control of ticks on horses using abamectin-impregnated ear tags. A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study. J Vet Pharmacol Ther, 45(5), 473-480. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvp.13084

Publication

Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics
ISSN: 1365-2885
NlmUniqueID: 7910920
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 45
Issue: 5
Pages: 473-480

Researcher Affiliations

Werners, Arno
  • Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada.
Karasek, Inga
  • Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada.
Butler, Catherine
  • Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada.
Yeatts, James
  • Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Enomoto, Hiroko
  • Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Baynes, Ronald
  • Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases
  • Ear, External
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
  • Horses
  • Ivermectin / analogs & derivatives
  • Tick Infestations / drug therapy
  • Tick Infestations / prevention & control
  • Tick Infestations / veterinary
  • Ticks

Grant Funding

  • St. George's University Small Research Grant Initiative

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