FDA OKs new Merial equine dewormer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Zimecterin Gold, a new, broad-spectrum parasite control product from Merial that will treat and control 61 species and stages of equine parasites, including tapeworms.

Zimecterin Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel) combines two active ingredients, ivermectin and praziquantel, the latter of which is now proven to be highly effective for controlling tapeworms in dogs, cats and now horses, the company says. Zimecterin Gold is the first equine dewormer licensed in the U.S. for the control of equine tapeworms. FDA confirmed that the product effectively controls 32 species and stages of small strongyles, one of the most common types of equine parasite. Zimecterin Gold is also indicated for control of large strongyles, bots, roundworms, tapeworms, threadworms, pinworms, hairworms, lungworms and stomach worms. Zimecterin Gold represents another important breakthrough for Merial, says Duane Maye, DVM, product manager for Merial Equine Global Enterprise. ÒIt provides all the protection that comes with Zimecterin, in addition to controlling tapeworms,Ó Maye says. ÒUsed as the foundation or principal dewormer in any parasite control program, Zimecterin Gold should help to reduce the incidence of parasite-related colic and a host of other gastrointestinal problems commonly associated with parasite infections.Ó Zimecterin Gold will be available to veterinarians beginning in late summer 2003.

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