A new study backed by Intervet/Schering Plough has demonstrated that the veterinary antiparasitic product BUTOX 7.5 pour on (deltamethrin) also protects cattle and sheep during wet conditions against biting midges, insects proven to be responsible for the transmission of the bluetongue virus.

The new findings extend existing knowledge and demonstrate that BUTOX is not only effective in dry weather conditions, but also effectively kills midges in wet conditions. Previously, efficacy of BUTOX had only been proven in dry weather and in animals provided with shelter.

Conducted at Department of Parasitology of the Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany, the study treated cattle and sheep with a single application of BUTOX and subsequently thoroughly wetted twice a week with water. Over a period of four weeks hair was clipped off the legs, near the claws. Midges where then exposed to the clipped hair and the time to death of the midges after exposure to deltamethrin was recorded It was reported that BUTOX remained effective, killing all exposed insects during wet conditions for at least four weeks.

''This finding is highly encouraging as it shows that deltamethrin protects cattle and sheep in rainy weather conditions as well, which is particularly relevant in situations when vaccination against bluetongue virus is not feasible such as with emergence of new serotypes of the virus,'' explains Dr. Heinz Mehlhorn, study director at the Heinrich-Heine University.

''The fact that BUTOX also works in rainy conditions will be of great reassurance and economic importance to veterinarians and farmers, augmenting its position as the insecticide of choice to protect livestock from being exposed to ectoparasites,'' added Herbert Pohle, co-author of the article and global marketing director of ruminant parasite management at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.

BUTOX is a trademark owned by Intervet International B.V. BUTOX 7.5 pour on is an ectoparasiticide whose active ingredient is deltamethrin 7.5 g/L in a suspension and is indicated for use in cattle and sheep.

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is focused on the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of animal health products. The company's animal health portfolio includes products that support performance and prevent, treat and control disease in all major farm and companion animal species.