New lice treatment introduced

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32565, 26 March 1971, Page 16

New lice treatment introduced

A new veterinary product for cattle lice eradication, which requires only contact with the animal’s skin to become effective, has been introduced by the newly formed veterinary division of Henry H. York and Company, Ltd, a subsidiary of Bayer, Germany.

No matter where it is applied to the skin of the beast, it is absorbed into the system and spreads to become a biological boobytrap for biting and sucking lice—wherever they are on the animal’s body. Before the product was launched in this country, extensive field tests were carried out to substantiate the maker’s claim under New Zealand' conditions. According to the company veterinarian, Dr Dieter Brondke, the success of the drug in New Zealand should easily parallel the effectiveness of the applications in other countries. Even with the obvious efficiency of New Zealand farming techniques, there was still a tremendous loss in productivity each year because of lice and other parasitic infestations, Dr Brondke said. The spraying method used by farmers is only partially effective and seldom penetrates the more difficult areas such as under the butt

of the tail, high up the thigh and in the ears. With the new product, Tiguvon Pouron, these problems are easily overcome as the material acts systemically. The active ingredient is quickly absorbed through the skin into the blood streafn. Lice on the animal take it up with their feed and die. “There is no doubt lice on cattle are real profit eaters,” Dr Brondke said. “Lice irritate to such an extent that cattle feed less, and—more important—do not make the most efficient use of the feed. Unless cattle can relax, they cannot ruminate and digest their food properly. Lice do not let them relax. “The New Zealand farmer could expect to lose up to $5 per beast on sale due to lice infestation,” he said. “The field trials which were carried out showed that cattle treated with Tiguvon were on average 571 b heavier than were untreated beasts over a period of about three months. This

represented an extra weight gain Of more than a half lb per day due to treatment.” Dr Brondke - said that many cattle owners were aware of the losses caused by lice, but were reluctant to buy equipment and go to the trouble involved in a cattle spraying programme. "With this new method, you do not need any equipment at all,’* he said. "One man with a can of insecticide can do the job, using the specially designed measuring beaker which is supplied With each can. The cattle can either be treated as they are driven through a race or the fanner can move through the herd in a yard. "Strays or lone hulls can be treated in the paddock. Once you get the insecticide on to the animal, treatment is foolproof. Every inch of the body is covered. “There is no worry about bulky engines, leaky pumps, proper pressures, clogged nozzles, or making sure you get proper cover,” he said. "Cattle just do not get upset and there are no more muddy yards, soaked clothing or wasted insecti-

cide and there is no time wasted in carting water and setting up and dismantling equipment." Dr Brondke also said 'trials had shown that light infestations of lice could be controlled by one treatment of Tiguvon Pour-On and, with moderate to heavy infestations, two treatments ; about two to three weeks apart would be required to > kill lice which have hatched from the eggs. He also pointed out that ' cattle could be treated when ■ they were mustered for ’ drenching, inoculation or ' any other purpose. The new treatment had been 1 used extensively on pregnant cows, young calves, drought-affected stock and i in conjunction with other , drug treatments, without ill . effect. Inclement weather , has no effect on the drug , which even has been i applied in heavy rain with complete effectiveness. In the accompanying photograph Dr Brondke pre--1 pares to treat three young cows at a party in Wellington to mark the launching of the product. Among guests was the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr Shelton.