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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th November 2022
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Veterinary drugs found effective against bed bugs
Antiparasitic drugs used in companion animals could combat bed bug resurgence in poulty farms.
Study explored medication use in poultry farms.

A study from North Carolina State University has found that two common veterinary medicines used to combat parasites in companion animals have potential to control resurgent bed bug populations on poultry farms.

As the research team explained, owing to the sensitive nature of the poultry environment, bed bug control options are limited. 

Combined with limited level of products labelled for bed bug control, and bed bug populations' resistance to a wide range of active ingredients, this means that alternative options should be investigated.

Researchers tested Fluralaner and Ivermectin, medications used to treat fleas and ticks on companion animals, on bed bugs (Cimex lectularius).

The team tested bed bug mortality rates by topical treatment or ingestion of the medications, and also allowing the bugs to feed on the chickens.

In the lab, both of the medications were efficient, killing most of the bed bugs, but fluralaner was discovered to more significantly more effective on bed bugs that showed resistance to common insecticides.

When trialled in the chickens, fluralaner was found to be highly effective at killing bed bugs, while ivermectin was ineffective against the bed bugs feeding on the dosed chickens.

Corresponding author of a paper describing the work, Professor of Entomology at NC State, explained: “The bed bug is a globally important insect. The last few decades have seen a resurgence of bed bugs in homes, and now we’re seeing bed bugs return to poultry farms. 

“Since there is no proven method to stop bed bugs in commercial farms, the potential problems on poultry farms could be massive. We’re trying to get ahead of it by developing technologies that can eliminate bed bugs.”

María González-Morales, former PhD student at NC State and lead author of the paper, said: “The health effects to poultry from bed bug infestation are not well documented, but anecdotally poultry farmers see animal welfare concerns like stress and anemia, which could negatively affect meat or egg production.”

Published in Parasites and Vectors, the full paper is available to read here.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.