Target species
Cattle.
Indications for use for each target species
For the control of flies on cattle.
Nuisance flies: | Face fly (Musca autumnalis), | |
| Head fly (Hydrotea irritans). | |
Biting flies: | Horn fly (Haematobia irritans syn Lyperosia irritans), | |
| Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), | |
| Cattle biting fly (Haematobia stimulans syn Haematobosca stimulans). |
While the five fly species listed above constitute the majority found on cattle in Western Europe, there are many other species both within and outside Europe against which tags may provide some protection. These include:
Warble (gad) fly (Hypoderma sp),
Horse fly (Tabanus bovinus),
Clegs (Haematopota pluvialis),
Screw-worm (Callitroga sp),
Blow fly (Lucilia sp).
Other species reported as forming a minor component of the fly population on cattle monitored during trials of tags include:
Sweat fly (Morellia simplex),
Black fly (Simulium reptans),
Lesser house fly (Fannia coniculars).
The veterinary medicinal product provides protection throughout the fly season. For maximum benefit they should therefore be applied at the beginning of the season before fly populations build up. For complete control the entire herd should be tagged.
One tag per animal is usually sufficient to achieve acceptable levels of fly control. However, where head and face fly attack is very severe, two tags may be necessary, one on each ear.
Contraindications
None.
Special warnings
None.
Special precautions for use
Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
The best position for the tag is between the second and third rib of the ear.
The veterinary medicinal product is not recommended for fly control on cattle kept in feed lots or in animal housing.
For external use only.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals:
Rubber gloves should be worn when handling the veterinary medicinal product. Do not smoke, eat or drink while handling the product. Do not burn the product as a harmful vapour can be produced. Wash hands and exposed skin before meals and after work. Keep away from food and drink including animal feeding stuffs.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
Adverse events
Cattle:
Very rare (<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports): | Allergic skin reaction Skin irritation |
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See also section 16 of the package leaflet for respective contact details.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Pregnancy and lactation:
Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known.
Administration routes and dosage
The veterinary medicinal product should be attached to the ear as follows:
Load stud and tag into the applicator. Always dip the loaded applicator into disinfectant solution before each application. Any skin compatible disinfectant may be used. This assists application, helps prevent spread of infection, aids hygiene and promotes healing. Restrain the animal, preferably in a crush, so that the ear can be reached easily. Position the point of the fixing stud in a central position between the blood vessels in an area of firm tissue halfway between the head and the tip of the ear, with the fly tag on the back of the ear. A position between the second and third rib of the ear is ideal. Thick sections of the ear should be avoided.
Depress the applicator until a click is heard. This means the tag and the fixing are firmly secured. After fixing, pull the stud and tag firmly apart as far as possible. A correctly fixed tag will hold firm. Do not push the tag and stud back together, as this can lead to compression of the ear tissue. The two should swing freely in the ear.
If a tag is lost during the season, it is usually because of poor application. The ear tags will remain flexible and active for a season.
Tags should be removed at the end of each fly season and before cattle go for slaughter. The neck of the stud behind the ear can be cut with round-nosed scissors. The new tag can be applied through the hole left by the previous one the following season.
Symptoms of overdose (and where applicable, emergency procedures and antidotes)
Not applicable.
Special restrictions for use and special conditions for use, including restrictions on the use of antimicrobial and antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products in order to limit the risk of development of resistance
Not applicable.
Withdrawal periods
Meat: Zero days.
Milk: Zero hours.
Tags should be removed before cattle leave the farm for slaughter.