Advocate expands indications list
Advocate Expands Indications List Now Even More Parasites Covered
6 years ago 
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Advocate®, the UK’s most prescribed parasiticide1, is now licensed for the treatment of Thelazia callipaeda and Eucoleus boehmi in dogs, and Eucoleus aerophilus in cats, further increasing the activity of this broad-spectrum product.2
While all these parasites have been found to cause clinical disease in pets, Thelazia callipaeda, ‘the oriental eyeworm’, is of particular concern to parasitologists, as it is well known to cause disease in humans. Eucoleus aerophila is also a potential zoonosis, but reported cases in people are much rarer.
Ian Wright BVMS BSc MSc MRCVS, Head of ESCCAP UK and Ireland comments: “If Thelazia does establish in the UK, then it will be a zoonotic concern. In every country that has Thelazia, there are human cases reported.”
With increasing pet travel and importation of dogs for rehoming, T. callipaeda poses a very real threat to UK dogs.3,4 It is therefore increasingly important that vets are aware of the disease and the associated clinical signs, caused by adult worms residing in the eyes. These range from epiphora, conjunctivitis, ocular discharge and chemosis to corneal ulceration.
Ian relays ESCCAP’s position on this; “ESCCAP’s key message is that when dogs are imported, vets take note of their travel history and are vigilant for any clinical signs that dogs might display. They should look for signs of conjunctivitis, and if present, look for worms. DEFRA figures report 30,000 dogs were imported into the UK in 2016, 11,000 of them from Romania.3 Romania has recently seen a number of new zoonotic parasites become endemic including Thelazia callipaeda. As a profession, vets need to raise awareness amongst pet owners about the parasitic considerations of rehoming dogs from other countries, stressing that the risks apply not only to their pets, but potentially to themselves and their families as well.
“In the case of pet travel, if dogs are going abroad vets need to ensure they are correctly protected. DEFRA Pet Travel data shows that 287,016 UK dogs travelled on the Pet Travel Scheme in 2017, up from 164, 836 in 2015 so the scale of travelling pets in the UK is huge, and still increasing.3’’
T. callipaeda is now widespread across Europe, with reported prevalence in excess of 40 per cent in some regions.4 Cases of thelaziosis have already been reported in British dogs with a history of travel to endemic areas, and the vector, the fruit fly (Phortica spp) is present in some areas of the UK.4 This highlights the potential risk of introducing T.callipaeda to the UK through travelling and imported dogs, so remaining vigilant for the disease in all dogs with a history of travel, and utilising products that treat the condition where necessary is crucial.
While of less concern than T. callipaeda, Eucoleus boehmi and Eucoleus aerophilus are both parasites which previously had no licensed treatment available.
E.boehmi is present in North America, South America and Europe, affecting the epithelium of the nasal turbinates of dogs and can cause sneezing and nasal discharge, although infection can also be asymptomatic.5 E. aerophilus is common in cats in many European countries6, and has been diagnosed in cats in the UK. The adult parasites inhabit the epithelium of the trachea and bronchi; disease can be subclinical, but can lead to chronic bronchitis, and even bronchopneumonia in severe burdens or when there is a secondary bacterial infection.
With these additional indications Advocate® is one of the most broad-spectrum products available and is an ideal choice for vets wanting to provide protection for dogs and cats against a wide range of parasites and their associated health risks. Bayer is committed to being a leader in parasiticide development, continually investing into R&D to provide healthcare solutions that cover the needs of Britain’s pets, protecting them while they are both at home and travelling abroad.
For more information speak to your local Bayer Veterinary Business Development manager or visit the Bayer Vet Centre: vetcentre.bayer.co.uk
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