The anthelmintic efficacy of mebendazole against adult Fasciola hepatica and a concurrent mixed nematode infection in sheep

Authors: Chevis RAF, Kelly JD, Whitlock HV
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 23, Issue 5, pp 81-84, May 1975
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Anthelmintics, Parasite control, Parasites - internal, Liver/hepatic disease, Trematode, Nematode, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Delak et al (1965) reported that thiabendazole in combination with hexachlorophene (163 to 254 mg/kg thiabendazole; 16.3 to 25.4 mg/kg hexachlorophene) was effective in removing adult Fasciola hepatica from infected sheep. This would appear to be the only record of a benzimidazole derivative having significant anthelmintic activity against F. hepatica. It is interesting to note, however, that a related trematode, Dicrocoelium dendriticum (the lancet fluke), can be eliminated from infected sheep by thiabendazole alone, at a dose rate of 500 mg/kg (Guilhon, 1965). Kelly et al (1975) briefly reviewed the available literature related to the anthelmintic activity of coarse and fine particle mebendazole (methyl 5( 6) benzoyle 1-2 benzimidazole carbamate), a sparingly soluble compound formulated as a 5% aqueous suspension. Although the various reports cited showed a high degree of anthelmintic activity for mebendazole against cestode and nematode parasites of the dog and horse, no published evidence could be found indicating anthelmintic activity of mebendazole against trematode and nematode parasites of ruminants. For this reason the present study was carried out to confirm field observations that in sheep fine-particle mebendazole has anthelmintic efficacy against F. hepatica and the following nematnde parasites…

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