05/03/2012Posted : March 05, 2012
Certifect launched in UK & Ireland

Merial has announced the launch of Certifect (fipronil/(S)-methoprene/amitraz), a "revolutionary product" that kills ticks before they attach, while also killing fleas and biting lice.

Recently approved by the European Medicines Agency, it provides fast, effective, and convenient treatment and control of ticks, fleas and chewing lice for dogs aged 8 weeks or older.

Jonathan Hill, head of pets for Merial UK and Ireland, said: "We are excited to launch Certifect in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It sets a new standard for ectoparasite protection of dogs by delivering extremely fast tick control while providing the proven fast-acting and long-lasting flea control of fiproniland (S)-methoprene. Certifect starts killing ticks before they have time to feed and so reduces the risk of disease transmission and will also help to detach ticks from dogs that are already infested."

Certifect has been demonstrated as being highly effective at both preventing ticks from attaching and quickly killing them. Studies showed that Certifect starts to kill ticks as early as two hours after application, and eliminates ticks within 24 hours of infestation; it causes ticks that are already attached to withdraw their mouthparts and ultimately detach and fall off the dog before dying.

Mr Hill added: "The challenge with many tick products is that they can take up to two full days to kill all the ticks on a dog, and they do not prevent ticks from attaching and engorging. Certifect prevents the attachment of ticks and kills them fast – within 24 hours.

"Prevention of attachment is vital to reduce the transmission of serious diseases that ticks can carry such as Borreliaburgdorferi (Lyme disease), Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and canine Babesiosis. Published studies indicate this product can be used as part of a tick-borne disease prevention strategy."

Certifect is effective against tick species found in the UK and Ireland (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentorreticulatus) as well as: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (found worldwide, including Europe), Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, Haemaphysalis elliptica, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma americanum and Amblyomma maculatum.

• While Certifect is only approved for use on dogs, field trials show that it can be used in households that also have cats.