Tracing the Timeline: A Brief History of Fleas, Ticks, and the Innovative New Provecta Pro Flea & Tick Collar

By Bianca Kapteyn

Brief History

Historically, fleas have plagued both animals and humans since antiquity. The microscopic world of these tiny pests was first glimpsed by Galileo Galilei in 1624, but it was Robert Hooke in 1665 who illustrated the infamous flea, Xenopsylla cheopis.

 

Ticks, however, boast more ancient history, predating humanity itself. These arthropods have been feasting on the lifeblood of Earth’s inhabitants since the age of dinosaurs.

Nature’s nasty little creatures. Flea bites are not just itchy nuisances; they are responsible for various parasitic bacterial diseases, including Murine Typhus, Rickettsia typhi, Mycoplasma haemofelis (in cats), and tapeworms. Ticks, as vectors for tick-borne diseases, contribute more than  200,000 reported cases annually in the USA and Canada, with the incidence of Lyme disease on the rise each year.

New Product – Latest in Companion Pet Protection

Neogen®, a well-known name in the veterinarian industry, has recently introduced its latest innovation in the field – the Provecta® Pro Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs. This new collar  showcased at the VMX conference in Orlando in January,  has caught the attention of vets.

In a conversation via e-mail with Renee Hall, head of pet wellness at NEOGEN, Canine Culture delved into the features of this innovative product.

What sets the Provecta Pro Collar apart is its use of two distinct active ingredients – Deltamethrin and the IGR (s) Methoprene.  The collar provides comprehensive protection for a dog’s entire body for an impressive duration of 6 months. The Provecta Pro Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs is poised to become a game-changer in the realm of companion pet care at a affordable price.

How does Provecta Pro work to shield against fleas and ticks?

 RH: Provecta Pro Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs,  kills fleas and ticks and repels mosquitoes as a combination pesticide product with the active ingredients impregnated in the collar matrix. The active ingredients are slowly released over time from the collar into the skin around the collar. The active ingredients are taken up by the sebaceous glands and moved across the skin by translocation as the sebum from the glands moves across the dog’s skin. The deltamethrin kills adult fleas and ticks while repelling mosquitoes, while (S)-Methoprene is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that breaks the flea life cycle and prevents immature flea stages hiding in the dog’s environment from developing into adults.

It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. Except California

Why is Provecta PRO unique among others in the animal parasiticides market?

 RH:The Provecta PRO collar offers protection from both an adulticide, deltamethrin, and insect growth regulator, (S)-Methoprene – active ingredients that have been used effectively to protect pets for over 25 years. The innovative collar design offers a flexible fit that is engineered for [adjustable] comfort and wearability for up to 6 months.

What’s we think is important [or unique] is how affordable the collar is and how we can truly protect more pets for less – pet parents can purchase a full years’ worth of protection for the less than other parasiticides on the market. The PRO gives veterinarians an alternative to provide pet parents with an effective, convenient, accessible product that addresses their biggest concerns around fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which reinforces compliance. With multi–pet households on the rise and economic concerns ever present, pet owners don’t have to compromise what they value most – their best friends’ health and well-being.

How safe is Deltamethrin and the IGR (S)-Methoprene, and are there any side effects pet parents should be aware of?

 RH:Deltamethrin-was first discovered in 1974 and has been approved by the EPA since 1994. It is a pesticide that has been used on many different pests and has a wide variety of use applications based on the concentration of the product, the way it is used, and the label claims. Deltamethrin works by disrupting nerve signal pathways in the insect. Depending on the use and concentration of Deltamethrin, it is effective in killing certain pests through contact and/or ingestion.

(S)-Methoprene was approved by the EPA in 1985. It is used in many pest-based applications as it mimics an insect hormone involved in the life cycle maturation in some pests. The addition of this active ingredient in the product prevents fleas from being able to complete their life cycle and mature into adult fleas.

This product is EPA approved for use on dogs and puppies 12 weeks and older. Whenever using a pesticide, pet parents should read the entire label before use and follow all instructions. While uncommon, if any adverse effects are noted pet parents or veterinarians can call our 24/7 safety information line listed on the label. When trying a new preventative, it’s always a good idea for pet owners to consult their veterinarian.

Please explain the efficacy of parasiticides and how they work?

RH:Different parasiticides have different mechanisms of action.

Deltamethrin belongs to the pyrethroid family. It affects pests by disrupting their sodium ion channels in the nervous system. This causes a sustained opening of these channels resulting in hyperexcitation and eventually paralysis and death of the parasite. Pesticide effects are time and dose dependent.

Pyrethroids sometimes carry a repellency claim for certain pests. This claim is due to the pests experiencing an unpleasant feeling upon contact. Essentially the pests want to move away from the source of the sensation, so they leave the deltamethrin treated host.

(S)-Methoprene is an insect growth regulator that has its effect on fleas by halting the flea life cycle. (S)-Methoprene works as an insect juvenile hormone mimetic. It attaches to the juvenile hormone receptor binding sites trapping the flea in the current life cycle stage, preventing the flea from completing the transition into the next life stage.

About Neogen

Neogen is committed to fueling a brighter future for global food security through the advancement of human and animal well-being. Harnessing the power of science and technology, Neogen Corporation has developed comprehensive solutions spanning the Food Safety, Livestock, and Pet Health & Wellness markets. A world leader in these fields, Neogen has a presence in over 140 countries with a dedicated network of scientists and technical experts focused on delivering optimized products and technology for its customers.