[Control of bovine hypodermosis in Switzerland; looking back]

For many years, hypodermosis control - which started in the 1920's - was unsatisfactory, partly due to a lack of efficacy or a too high toxicity of the available products. An improved control became possible with the introduction (1957) of the organophosphate Metrifonate (Neguvon®, Bayer AG). Subsequent large-scale campaigns according to the Federal Ordinance on epizootic diseases (1967) quite reduced hypodermosis in Switzerland. However, due to a limited use of the product (only young and alpine-grazing cattle were allowed to be treated, administratively indicated maximum dose, side-effects) and its incomplete efficacy, a full control was not possible. The decision to maintain hypodermosis as a "notifiable" disease then allowed further epidemiological studies. In 2000/2001 a concerted action in close cooperation with the cantonal veterinarians allowed a consequent and systematic treatment of all cattle in all endemic areas by the large-scale use of Eprinomectin (Eprinex®, Merial Inc.) for dairy cattle and of Ivermectin (Merial Inc.) as microdose "off-label" for young cattle has led to a rapid and sustainable success.