Effect of an experimental systemic compound, CGA-184699, on life stages of the cat flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)

The experimental drug CGA-184699 (N-[2,5-dichloro-4-(1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropoxy)-phenylaminoc arbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide) was evaluated for efficacy against cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché), held in flea cages on cats. When administered orally, the compound acts systemically and prevents development of the next generation of fleas. There was no effect on adults, but eggs from adults that fed on treated cats had reduced viability. Most larvae that emerged from surviving eggs died. Within the first 2 wk after treatment of cats with CGA-184699, most death of progeny occurred in the egg stage, but as time passed, more eggs hatched but larval mortality prevented development to adults. A single oral dose of CGA-184699 virtually eliminated the next generation of adult fleas for a period of 44 d.