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Disposition Kinetics of Amitraz in Lactating Does
Sathish Nanjundappa1, Suresh Narayanan Nair1, Darsana Udayan1
1Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Lakkidi, P.O., Wayanad 673576, Kerala, India.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Amitraz, a pesticide for ectoparasite control, is slowly eliminated from animal bodies after dermal application. Its presence in milk above the maximum residue limit poses a public health concern for lactating animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Amitraz is a formamidine pesticide used for ectoparasite control in livestock and companion animals.
- Existing data on amitraz toxicity, disposition, and milk residues are insufficient, particularly in lactating animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the disposition kinetics and milk elimination patterns of amitraz in lactating does.
- To assess potential public health risks associated with amitraz residues in milk.
Main Methods:
- Single dermal application of 0.25% amitraz to lactating does.
- Collection of blood and milk samples over eight days post-application.
- Quantification of amitraz concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Amitraz was detected in blood for up to 168 hours, with a mean terminal half-life of 111 ± 31 hours.
- The drug was well absorbed, widely distributed, and slowly eliminated, with milk concentrations reaching approximately 0.2% of the total dose.
- Milk amitraz levels exceeded the recommended MRL of 0.01 mg/kg.
Conclusions:
- Dermal application of amitraz leads to prolonged systemic presence and slow elimination in lactating does.
- Elevated amitraz residues in milk present a potential public health risk due to exceeding established MRLs.
