PHARMACOKINETICS AND EFFICACY OF A SINGLE TOPICAL DOSE OF EPRINOMECTIN IN GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA SPP.)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Zoological Medicine

Background:

• Antiparasitic drug resistance is a growing concern in livestock and zoological species.
• Eprinomectin is a widely used avermectin with potential for treating parasitic infections in exotic animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of topically administered eprinomectin in giraffes.
• To assess the efficacy of eprinomectin in reducing endoparasite loads in giraffes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving six giraffes of various subspecies receiving a single topical dose of eprinomectin (1.5 mg/kg).
• Plasma eprinomectin concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography over 28 days.
• Complete blood counts, biochemistry panels, and fecal flotation tests were performed before and after treatment.

Main Results:

• The mean terminal half-life of eprinomectin was 5.16 days, with a maximum plasma concentration of 11.45 ng/ml at 2.67 days.
• No adverse effects or significant changes in blood work were observed.
• Fecal parasite loads decreased in 3 of 5 giraffes, while remaining unchanged in 2.

Conclusions:

• Topical eprinomectin is safe for giraffes, exhibiting favorable pharmacokinetics similar to cattle despite a higher dose.
• Further research is needed to optimize eprinomectin dosage and confirm its efficacy for consistent parasite control in giraffes.