Injectable wormer licence now covers sheep and goats

The licence for zero milk withdrawal targeted injectable wormer Eprecis has been extended for use in sheep¹ and goats², as well as cattle.

Ceva Animal Health said the injection, which contains eprinomectin, is now an effective endectocide with broad-spectrum activity against gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes in sheep and goats.

SC administration

According to studies, after Eprecis injection, Haemonchus contortus in the abomasum in goats were reduced by 97.8%² and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in the small intestine were reduced by 98.7%². In lactating dairy ewes, Eprecis injection was found to be 99% effective against GI nematodes³ and was associated with an increased milk yield of 8%⁴.

It is available for SC administration, so no parting of the fleece or coat on the animal’s back is required, and comes in 100ml and 250ml vials.

‘Highly effective’

Harry Walby, ruminant veterinary advisor at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Eprecis injection is a highly effective broad-spectrum wormer that is now available in sheep and goats, as well as cattle.

“The injectable formulation not only allows accurate dosing, but there is no subclinical dose transfer between animals.”

References

1. Charlier J et al (2020). Initial assessment of the economic burden of major parasitic helminth infections to the ruminant livestock industry in Europe, Prev Vet Med 182: 105; 103.

2. Holzhauer M et al (2011). Lungworm outbreaks in adult dairy cows: estimating economic losses and lessons to be learned, Vet Rec 169(19): 494.

3. Termatzidou S-A et al (2019). Anthelmintic activity of injectable eprinomectin (Eprecis 20mg/ml) in naturally infected dairy sheep, Vet Parasitol 266: 7-11.

4. Termatzidou S-A et al (2020). Effect of injectable eprinomectin on milk quality and yield of dairy ewes naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, Vet Parasitol 286: 109; 245.