WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency recently approved ProMeris for dogs (Fort Dodge Animal Health) to control existing flea and tick infestations and prevent reinfestations on dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older. ProMeris for cats has already been approved.

"The new ProMeris line[both dogs and cats] gives veterinarians and pet owners a new weapon to fight today's fleas and ticks, which can be vectors of serious disease and health conditions," said Rami Cobb, BVSc (Hons), MACVSc, senior vice president of pharmaceutical research and development for Fort Dodge.

According to Cobb, the active ingredient metaflumizone has not been used to control fleas in the past and, therefore, they are readily susceptible to the new treatment. Cobb added that amitraz, the second active ingredient in ProMeris for dogs, works by disrupting the tick's normal nerve function, which leads to less feeding, paralysis and death of the tick.

ProMeris for dogs provides control of many ticks, including the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), brown dog tick (Rhicephalus sanguineus), American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), which can transmit such diseases as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis.

Both ProMeris for dogs and ProMeris for cats are sold only through practicing veterinarians and are not available through over-the-counter sales or Internet pharmacies.