Recent developments in the chemotherapy of parasitic infections of poultry

Abstract

Pyrethroids (permethrin, cypermethrin, flumethrin, deltamethrin) are very effective against Dermanyssid mites (northern fowl mites, red mites). Permethrin sprays are also effective against lice, fleas and other pests like the lesser mealworm and flies. In some experiments, however, medication with established drugs has given more favourable results. In birds, avermectins (abarmectin and ivermectin) have shown a similar broad spectrum of activity as in mammals. Nematode infections in poultry can be controlled by both drugs, but their use in intensive production is unlikely. However, ivermectin was efficacious against mange mites and respiratory mites in budgerigars and canaries and is likely to be used in the therapy of pet birds. Maduramicin is a new ionophorous anticoccidial for use in broiler chickens. Satisfactory control has been observed against isolates of Eimeria tolerant (partly resistant) to other ionophorous antibiotics. Toltrazuril, a non-ionophorous anticoccidial, has been used for therapy of clinical coccidiosis in a variety of bird species and for the prophylaxis of coccidiosis in broilers. It may be given in the drinking water as a n intermittent treatment. Diclazuril, an anticoccidial for use in broiler diets, is currently under investigation. Observations have shown control of Eimeria isolates tolerant to ionophorous drugs and efficacy against all major Eimeria spp. in the chicken. The new generation of insecticides, acaricides, nematocides and anticoccidials is a welcome addition to current control programmes.

Keywords:

• Chemotherapy
• coccidiosis
• fleas
• nematodes
• medication
• mites
• lice
• parasites