New medicine against fleas and ticks

The first 1-month medication to control fleas and blood collection in dogs and cats is bringing great promise in trials.

Peter Meinke and colleagues at Merck Research Laboratories emphasized the need for methods to control fleas and ticks, in part because of increased animal ownership. It is estimated that about 71 million dogs and 81 million cats are raised in the United States in 2007, compared with 61 million and 70 million in 2001.

Dogs and cats are the most popular pets, unless you count fish and pets that are thought to be in fewer homes but in larger quantities.

A single new oral dose is 100% effective in protecting from fleas and accumulating for a month. (Photo: Cacarc)
Although many types of powder, sprays and control services are available on the market, the majority of pet owners often prefer to take oral medications. Drinking products can reach more parts of the body, not be ineffective when it rains or after bathing, and are unable to transmit to humans.

At least one oral drug can fight fleas, but it seems to be ineffective for blood absorption.

In experiments with fleas and dog ticks in cats, a single new oral dose was 100% effective in protecting fleas and ticks for a month, scientists reported in the journal Medicinal Chemistry. .

There are no signs of toxic effects on pets, according to a statement from the American Chemical Society.

Scientists obtained fleas and ticks from a substance discovered in a fungus 'which is likely to start a new era in the treatment of eczema infections (ticks and fleas'.