MSD Exzolt Red Mite Treatment For Chickens

Description

Exzolt™: A smarter approach to red mite control

Exzolt™ represents a highly effective advancement in the control of red mite infestations in poultry. Administered via drinking water, it delivers a systemic solution that works from within—targeting mites at the point of feeding.

Unlike traditional topical treatments that act only on the bird’s surface or within the coop environment, Exzolt™ circulates through the bloodstream. When mites feed, they ingest the active ingredient, resulting in a rapid and substantial reduction in mite populations.

The result is a treatment that is simple to administer, minimises handling stress, and delivers consistent, proven outcomes.

Key benefits

• Rapid and significant reduction in mite populations, with demonstrated efficacy exceeding 99%

• Fast-acting results, with activity commencing within hours of administration

• Two-dose program (seven days apart) aligned to disrupt the mite life cycle

• Convenient delivery via drinking water at a low dose rate (0.5 mg/kg body weight)

• Ready-to-use formulation (1% fluralaner) for straightforward measurement and mixing

• Sustained control of blood-feeding red mites for at least two weeks post-treatment

• Zero egg withholding period; 14-day withholding period for meat and offal

• Effective against mite populations resistant to conventional acaricides

• Well tolerated across layers, pullets, and breeders, with a wide safety margin

Proven welfare outcomes

Red mite infestations are known to significantly impact bird welfare, contributing to chronic stress and behavioural disruption. Research has shown that treatment with Exzolt™ not only reduces mite burden but also improves stress-related behaviours in affected flocks—both during peak mite activity at night and throughout the day.

Administration guidelines

Exzolt™ is designed for ease of use in both small and large flocks:

1. Administer via the first drinking water of the day

2. Add the prescribed dose to clean drinking water

3. Provide sufficient volume for consumption within 4–6 hours

4. Mix gently to avoid foaming

5. Remove alternative water sources during treatment

6. Once consumed, return birds to normal water supply

7. Repeat treatment after seven days to ensure full efficacy

Routine treatment in early spring and late summer is recommended to maintain control.

Dosage and preparation

• Dose rate: 0.05 mL per kg of body weight

• As a guide, mix 0.05 mL of Exzolt™ per kg into 50–100 mL of drinking water

Example:
For a flock totalling 7 kg body weight, administer 0.35 mL of Exzolt™ in 350–700 mL of water.

Withholding periods

• Eggs: Zero days

• Meat & offal: 14 days following the final treatment

Scalable for larger operations

Exzolt™ is equally suited to commercial-scale flocks. A 50 mL bottle treats up to 5,000 kg of poultry body weight per treatment day. As a two-dose program, this equates to approximately 2,500 birds (at 2 kg each).

Integrated control approach

For optimal outcomes, Exzolt™ should be used as part of a broader biosecurity and hygiene program. Removing contaminated bedding and treating housing environments with a residual insecticide will help minimise reinfestation risk.

Exzolt™ provides a reliable, efficient, and welfare-focused solution for managing red mite infestations—combining ease of use with industry-leading performance.