Refer to the product label and Material Safety Data Sheet.
Antimicrobial action
At the concentrations in the product F10® has been assessed as giving a > log5 (100,000 times) reduction in microbial counts against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria; fungi and yeasts. The group of keratinophylic fungi is very large, but only two genera, known as dermatophytes, are known to cause disease ("ringworm") in animals. The genera involved are Microsporum spp, and Trichophyton spp. The product was found to be effective in a contact time of at least 15 minutes, however three repeat treatment applied every other day is the recommended treatment protocol.
Insecticidal action
F10® GERMICIDAL TREATMENT SHAMPOO WITH INSECTICIDE only. The insecticidal action is based upon cypermethrin (a pyrethroid). In the testing phases the indicator species used was Lucilia cuprina, a commonly occurring blow fly species. As soon as the larvae were sprayed they immediately began to migrate from the test site and within 30 minutes were dead. Other tests on L.cuprina eggs resulted in a 100% kill. The product was equally effective against adult flies and showed a 77% kill in 15 minutes rising to 100% within 30 minutes. Cypmermethrin is broad spectrum insecticide and is effective against other insects, eg biting flies, fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Toxicology
Studies were carried out in accordance with the test requirements as specified by the EPA. Oral toxicity (rats) - >2000 to 5000mg/kg - category III, Dermal toxicity (rats) - > 5000mg/kg - category III, Dermal irritation (guinea pigs) - very slight erytherma (grade 1) for a few hours but reversible within 24 hrs - category IV, Eye irritation (rabbits) - after 24 hrs contact the cornea and iris showed no reaction - the eyelids and nictating membranes were graded 1 after 1 hour and were reversible after 72 hrs - category IV, Skin sensitization (guinea pigs) - no sensitization, Inhalation toxicity (rats) - LC50>2mg/litre - category IV.
Stability
Repeat efficacy tests and chemical analysis confirm a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture.