g., permethrin, deltamethrin, flumethrin), selamectin (macrocyclic lactone), or spinosad (spinosyns). A huge range of strategies have been used in this bloody combat, by applying these acaricides and insecticides topically as sprays, dips, spot-on, collars, showers, or more recently orally, with different treatment regimes. The battle against ticks is almost entirely Obeticholic Acid nmr focussed to enhance the speed of kill (which may ultimately led to prevents VBD infections) and the residual activity of these weapons, with good acaricidal products characterized by >90% efficacy reached within 48 h post-treatment and

by the ability to prevent re-infestations. On the other hand, the optimal control of fleas aim not only to eliminate adults on the host and to prevent their re-infestation, but also to “clean” the environment contaminated by eggs, larvae and pupae with appropriate levels of residual activity. However, in this never-ending duel to protect dogs from ectoparasites, the choice of the chemical compounds available on the market is pivotal for increasing the chances of success. This is also

vital for reducing the risk that enemies survive previous compounds, thus offering a AZD9291 in vivo higher “resistance” against them. Therefore, in spite of the abundance of molecules developed by leader companies in the field, there is an increasing request for new molecules against ticks and fleas. This Special Edition of Veterinary Parasitology represents a collection of selected papers describing a new antiparasitic drug that veterinarians and pet owners have from today onwards to control ticks and fleas on dogs. This product contains afoxolaner, a novel ectoparasiticide administered orally in a chewable formulation (NEXGARD® Merial) to treat and control flea and tick infestations in dogs, for one month following a single administration. This compound is a member of the isoxazoline family, which works by inhibiting insect GABA and Glutamate-gated chloride channels, binding to a site distinct from that of existing insecticidal molecules. Beyond the mode of action,

the ease of its utilization and its systemic distribution represent strong features of this product, which will soon be available on the market for the prevention and cure of ticks others and fleas. The product has been formulated for preventing and cure infestation by fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis and Ctenocephalides canis) and ticks (Dermacentor reticulatus, Dermacentor variabilis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes scapularis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) for at least 5 and 4 weeks, respectively. The complete speed of kill for fleas is obtained in 8 h, with elimination of new flea infestations within 12 h. As far as ticks, they are killed within 48 h after infestation therefore reducing the possibility for pathogen transmission.