Merck Animal Health announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of EXZOLT™ (fluralaner oral solution), a parasiticide for chickens that treats and controls northern fowl mites (Ornithinyssus sylviarum) in production houses.
EXZOLT is proven to be safe for laying hens and replacement chickens. This first-of-its-kind product, based on the fluralaner molecule, treats northern fowl mite infestations by targeting the parasite’s nervous system and killing mites that have taken a blood meal while remaining safe for the host animal.
“Northern fowl mites pose a significant threat to poultry, leading to increased stress levels, reduced weight gain and diminished egg quality and production in affected birds. They are also a major source of economic loss for layer and pullet operations,” said Jim Stockam, DVM, poultry technical services at Merck. “We are proud to introduce EXZOLT to the US poultry industry as part of our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®.”
Conveniently administered in drinking water, EXZOLT, which is available in 1 L or 4 L presentations, reduces stress associated with other treatment methods and minimizes exposure to chemical sprays for both workers and birds.
“EXZOLT is more impactful than traditional spray products for rapidly and dramatically decreasing infestation burdens,” adds Stockam. “With a zero-day withdrawal period, eggs from chickens treated with EXZOLT are safe to consume, making it ideal for maintaining the health, performance and welfare of flocks. The meat withhold period is 11 days.”
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