ATCvet code: QP53AC11
Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid possessing pesticidal activity. It is one of a large family of pyrethroid esters which have evolved as synthetic analogues of the original insecticidal extracts isolated from powdered pyrethrum flowers. Deltamethrin is an alpha- cyano pyrethroid and is a member of the second generation of pyrethroids in which the overall stability of the molecule is improved with correspondingly increased resistance to photo- and bio-degradation and enhanced insecticidal activity. It is more potently toxic to insects and acarines because of the slower rate of metabolism.
The precise mode of insecticidal activity of pyrethoids remains uncertain, but they are potent neurotoxins in insects, causing failure in sensory coordination and disorganised motor activity, hence the 'knock-down' effect. Pyrethroids are metabolised through oxidative and neurotoxic pathways far more rapidly in mammals, so that neurotoxic effects can only occur at dosages which are many orders of magnitude greater than those required for pesticidal activity.