Use of afoxolaner for the treatment of lice (Goniodes pavonis) in different genera (Chrysolophus spp, Lophura spp, Phasianus spp, and Syrmaticus spp) and species of pheasants and West Mexican Chachalacas (Ortalis poliocephala).

Lice are ectoparasites capable of affecting birds, and can result in direct and indirect damage to their host. Afoxolaner is an isoxazoline that has been shown to be effective against these ectoparasites without known adverse effects. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of afoxolaner on lice in pheasants and plain chachalacas. A total of 29 pheasants of different genera and species (Chrysolophus pictus, C. amherstiae, Lophura swinghoii, L. nycthemera, Phasianus colchicus, and Syrmaticus reevesii) and 18 West Mexican Chachalacas (Ortalis poliocephala) naturally infested with Goniodes pavonis were used. The birds were allocated to one of two groups: group 1 treated with 2.50 mg/kg of afoxolaner, and group 2 given no treatment. Ectoparasites were collected using the adhesive tape technique and identified. Afoxolaner was administered later as a single dose to group 1, and the clinical assessment to detect ectoparasites was repeated 28 days post-treatment. On day 28 post-treatment, group 1 was found to be negative for the presence of lice. The body weights were compared at the beginning and end of the clinical assessment in both groups and a significant difference in weight of treated birds was found. The mean body weight decreased by 0.017 g in control group, whereas it increased by 0.016 g in treated group. Oral administration of afoxolaner is an effective option for the treatment of Goniodes pavonis infestations in zoo birds.

Effect of oral afoxolaner on naturally occurring infestations of peacocks by the louse Goniodes pavonis.

BACKGROUND: Ectoparasitism of ornamental birds, including captive species kept in zoos, represents a serious health problem. Up to 13 different species of lice have been reported to affect peacocks worldwide and heavy infestation may cause anaemia. Because of this, alternatives to the prevailing treatments have been sought including use of isoxazolines. This class of drugs has been used successfully in poultry without adverse effects on health or production. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of afoxolaner on the peacock louse (Goniodes pavonis). ANIMALS: Twenty-three peacocks (Pavo cristatus) with naturally occurring infestation with G. pavonis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The peacocks were divided in two groups; one was treated once orally with 2.5 mg/kg afoxolaner and the other group received no treatment. Samples were collected using the acetate tape technique, for identification of lice by microscopy. Concomitantly, blood samples were taken to evaluate the haematocrit before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Treatment with afoxolaner significantly decreased the number of peacocks positive for lice (P = 0.02) compared to the control group, in which the number of positive birds did not decrease. The haematocrit improved in the afoxolaner-treated group from a baseline of 46.4%-54.7% at 35 days post-treatment, whereas it decreased in untreated birds (44.6%-40.7%). No adverse effects attributed to afoxolaner treatment were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Oral administration of afoxolaner is an effective treatment for G. pavonis infestation of peacocks.