Target species
Sheep and cattle.
Indications for use, specifying the target species
For the treatment and prevention of coccidiosis in lambs and calves.
As an aid in the control of coccidiosis in lambs, by medication of ewe feed.
As an aid in the prevention of abortions and perinatal losses due to toxoplasmosis by medication of ewe feed.
Contraindications
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Special warnings for each target species
The use of the product will maintain normal growth under conditions of coccidial challenge but does not improve growth of healthy lambs or calves.
Special precautions for use
To help obtain even distribution in the final feed, it is recommended first to mix thoroughly at the rate of 1 part of the product to 3 parts of feed before blending into the final mix. In the preparation of pelleted feed, preconditioning temperatures of up to 80°C for short periods have been used and shown to have no effect on the product.
A manufacturer authorised to incorporate at levels below 2 kg per tonne must be responsible for mixing when incorporation is less than 2 kg per tonne of final feed.
Special precautions for use in animals
Medication of ewe rations may not prevent coccidiosis occurring in lambs and should only be given in conjunction with lamb medication.
Do not mix with or into feeds containing any other anticoccidial.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
When handling the product, prevent direct contact with the skin, avoid inhaling dust and wash hands after use.
Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling the product. Only handle in a well ventilated area.
Other precautions
This product is only authorised for use in medicated feedingstuffs or premixtures.
In both cases it must be thoroughly mixed with feedingstuffs materials to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Any premixture containing this product must be thoroughly mixed with feedingstuffs materials to ensure that is evenly distributed throughout the final feed.
Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
None known.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))
- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)
- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Pregnancy
Can be used during pregnancy.
Lactation
Can be used during lactation.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Do not mix with or into feeds containing any other anti-coccidial product.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Species and indication | Method of administration | Recommended dose level | Recommended duration of treatment |
Treatment of coccidiosis in lambs and calves and prevention of coccidiosis in lambs | In lamb and calf feed | 1 mg decoquinate/kg bodyweight daily | At least 28 days |
Prevention of coccidiosis in calves and as an aid in prevention of coccidiosis in lambs | In calf and ewe feed | 0.5 mg decoquinate/kg bodyweight daily | At least 28 days |
As an aid in the prevention of abortions and perinatal losses due to toxoplasmosis | In ewe feed | 2 mg decoquinate/kg bodyweight daily | Continuously for 14 weeks prior to lambing |
Feed intake will depend on the clinical situation of the animal and on the season of the year. To ensure a correct dose, the concentration of active ingredient in the feed must be adjusted according daily feed intake. The following formula is recommended:
Kg Deccox 6% Premix/T feed = | Dose (mg active ingredient/kg body weight) x Total weight of the animals to be treated (kg) Daily feed intake (kg) x 60 |
1. Treatment of coccidiosis in lambs and calves and prevention of coccidiosis in lambs:
Feed continuously for 28 days when coccidiosis is expected to be a hazard. Medication may be continued if there is further identified risk beyond this period.
2. Prevention of coccidiosis in calves and as an aid in prevention of coccidiosis in lambs by medication of the ewe's feed:
Feed continuously for at least 28 days to ewes when oocyst shedding is likely to be a hazard to lambs (i.e. before, during or after lambing) or to calves when coccidiosis is likely to occur.
The above provides good control of oocyst shedding from ewes under most conditions. In cases where a more severe challenge exists, double dosage should be used.
3. As an aid in the prevention of abortions and perinatal losses due to toxoplasmosis by medication of ewe feed:
Feed continuously for the last two-thirds of pregnancy (i.e. for the final 14 weeks prior to lambing).
On farms with a history of toxoplasmosis abortions, it may be economically beneficial to segregate susceptible ewes (e.g. bought in ewe-lambs) and administer medicated feed only to these animals, as the majority of older ewes will have been previously exposed to toxoplasma infection and will therefore be immune.
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
Overdosage is unlikely with in-feed medication. Decoquinate dosages of 4 mg/kg bodyweight in sheep and lambs and 6 mg/kg bodyweight in calves have been found to be well tolerated and without observable side effects.
Withdrawal period(s)
Cattle and sheep:
Meat and offal: zero days.
Milk: Not authorised for use in animals producing milk for human consumption.