Plasma disposition, milk excretion and parasitological efficacy of mebendazole in donkeys naturally infected by Cyathostominae.

This research evaluates the effects and efficiency of mebendazole (MBZ), a drug typically used in horses, in donkeys that are naturally infected with Cyathostominae. The study demonstrates that mebendazole is effective in treating Cyathostominae in donkeys, doesn’t significantly appear in the milk of lactating donkeys, and promotes a similar treatment regimen for both horses and donkeys.

Study Design and Group Allocation

• The research was structured to assess the plasma disposition (how the drug is processed in the body), milk excretion, and anthelmintic efficacy (ability to expel or destroy parasitic worms) of mebendazole in Cyathostominae-infected donkeys.
• 18 donkeys were divided into three groups. The first group served as the untreated control group. The second and third groups were administered a paste formulation of mebendazole orally at dosages of 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg body weight, respectively.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Blood and milk samples were taken at varying intervals between 1 and 120 hours post-treatment and were subsequently analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography.
• Individual Faecal Egg Counts (FECs) were performed on each animal before the treatment and weekly from day 7 until day 56 post-treatment. This was to monitor the drug’s effectiveness in reducing parasitic infection.

Results and Observations

• The plasma concentration and systemic exposure of mebendazole in donkeys was found to be relatively lower compared to other similar drugs.
• The plasma dispositions of mebendazole were dose-dependent, showing noticeable differences at 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg dosages.
• Mebendazole was undetectable in milk samples at the dosage of 10mg/kg, suggesting a minimal disposition rate into the milk. This indicates that lactating donkeys could be treated with mebendazole without affecting the milk quality.
• The Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) results showed an efficiency of over 95% until day 28 for both dosage levels.
• Overall, the study demonstrated that the oral administration of mebendazole at the normal horse dosage of 10mg/kg body weight is safe and effective for treating Cyathostominae in donkeys.

Implications and Recommendations

• The findings of this research suggest that similar dosage regimens of mebendazole could be used for horses and donkeys, offering a promising approach to managing parasitic infections across both species.
• However, more comprehensive studies involving a larger cohort may be required to validate these results and to explore possible variations across different regions, environments and breeds.