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The control of gastrointestinal strongles in goats is mainly achieved with anthelmintic drugs from several families. Eprinomectin, of the macrocyclic lactone family, was developed for cattle for transcutaneous administration and is also used in goats. However, as the efficacy by transcutaneous administration is not complete (positive coproscopies after treatment), many farmers in the field have started to use this product empirically by oral administration to improve its efficacy. In order to clarify the interest or limitations of this use, the BIOEPAR RMU evaluated the efficacy and pharmacokinetics1 of oral eprinomectin at 0.5 or 1 mg/kg body weight in goats under experimental or natural infestation conditions.

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Pharmacokinetic results show faster and more complete absorption and therefore better bioavailability of the drug by the oral route compared to the transcutaneous route. In addition, the excretion of eprinomectin in milk always remains below the maximum residue limit (20µg/kg). Efficacy is more than 99.8% against the major gastrointestinal strongles from a dose of 0.5 mg/kg. These data explain the good results observed in the field. Nevertheless, the use of oral transcutaneous eprinomectin can only be used within the regulatory framework of off-label prescription (Marketing Authorisation). Furthermore, this study does not prejudge any other residues linked to the transcutaneous formulation that may be found in milk.

Partners: this work was carried out by the UMR BIOEPAR (Inra Angers-Nantes) in collaboration with the Inra Toxalim team in Toulouse (A. Lespine).

Associated publication : Badie C., Lespine A., Devos J., Sutra J. F., & Chartier C. (2015). Kinetics and anthelmintic efficacy of topical eprinomectin when given orally to goats. Veterinary Parasitology, 209(1-2), 56-61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.02.013

¹ Pharmacokinetics : study of the fate of an active substance contained in a medicinal product after ingestion or administration to the body.

Scientific contact :

•  Christophe Chartier