Deltamethrin

Deltamethrin is a synthetic type II pyrethroid used in external parasite-control products. Veterinary formulations include canine collars and species-specific livestock preparations. Its activity combines insecticidal or acaricidal effects with repellency against some biting vectors. Clinical coverage depends on the formulation, host species and target parasite.

Group

Pyrethroid ectoparasiticide

Mechanism of Action

Deltamethrin delays inactivation of arthropod voltage-gated sodium channels and prolongs sodium current during nerve excitation. Repetitive discharge progresses to impaired conduction, paralysis and parasite death. Contact and repellent effects can also reduce feeding by susceptible biting insects. Distribution from collars or other topical formulations sustains exposure at the host surface.

Dose Rates

Cattle

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
External parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Butox 12.5 mg/mL concentrate: dilute per litre of water at 2 mL for ticks/flies, 4 mL for mites or 1 mL for lice; apply as spray or dip. See Monitoring and Administration for topping-up and retreatment instructions.

Buffaloes

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
External parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Butox 12.5 mg/mL concentrate: dilute per litre of water at 2 mL for ticks/flies, 4 mL for mites or 1 mL for lice; apply as spray or dip. See Monitoring and Administration for topping-up and retreatment instructions.

Sheep

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
External parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Butox 12.5 mg/mL concentrate: dilute per litre of water at 2 mL for ticks/flies, 4 mL for mites or 1 mL for lice; apply as spray or dip. See Monitoring and Administration for topping-up and retreatment instructions.

Goats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
External parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Butox 12.5 mg/mL concentrate: dilute per litre of water at 2 mL for ticks/flies, 4 mL for mites or 1 mL for lice; apply as spray or dip. See Monitoring and Administration for topping-up and retreatment instructions.

Camels

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
External parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Butox 12.5 mg/mL concentrate: dilute per litre of water at 2 mL for ticks/flies, 4 mL for mites or 1 mL for lice; apply as spray or dip. See Monitoring and Administration for topping-up and retreatment instructions.

Horses

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
External parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Butox 12.5 mg/mL concentrate: dilute per litre of water at 2 mL for ticks/flies, 4 mL for mites or 1 mL for lice; apply as spray or dip. See Monitoring and Administration for topping-up and retreatment instructions.

Dogs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
External parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Butox 12.5 mg/mL concentrate: dilute per litre of water at 2 mL for ticks/flies, 4 mL for mites or 1 mL for lice; apply as spray or dip. See Monitoring and Administration for topping-up and retreatment instructions.
Deltamethrin collar parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Do not use in: Puppies under 12 weeks for the described collar; The described Scalibor 4% collar is replaced every 6 months; maximum effect may take 2–3 weeks. The cited collar instructions exclude puppies younger than 12 weeks. Do not transfer these limits to spray products.

Pigs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
External parasite control	Reference only	TOPICAL		Butox 12.5 mg/mL concentrate: dilute per litre of water at 2 mL for ticks/flies, 4 mL for mites or 1 mL for lice; apply as spray or dip. See Monitoring and Administration for topping-up and retreatment instructions.

Indications

Control of susceptible tick and flea infestations in dogs with a corresponding veterinary product.
Repellency and reduction of feeding by sandflies or mosquitoes in dogs, including reduction of vector exposure in supported leishmaniosis-control programs.
Control of selected lice, ticks and biting flies in cattle, sheep or other livestock using a product indicated for that species.

Contraindications

Cats for the concentrated livestock/dog products described here
Sick animals or animals with severe skin injury for Butox dipping

Interactions

Avoid simultaneous exposure to other neurotoxic insecticides unless compatibility is established.

Adverse effects

Skin irritation
Salivation
Tremor or seizures after toxic exposure

Toxicity

Pyrethroid poisoning produces hyperexcitability and tremors. Remove exposure, decontaminate skin and provide temperature control and anticonvulsant care.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Butox Vet 1.25% concentrate Samruddh Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd. Dilute for spray/dip; never administer as an injection. Protect from light. Product withdrawal: meat 20 days, milk 0 days.	Other	12.5 mg / mL	TOPICAL
Delta-25 solution 2.5% Selmore Pharmaceuticals Livestock: 1.5 mL/L of water for dip wash or 2 mL/L for spray. Premises: 2 mL/L. Prepare immediately before use; store 15–25°C. Not interchangeable with Butox dilution rates.	Other	25 mg / mL	TOPICAL

Monitoring and Administration

Use only externally; do not apply the concentrate undiluted. Prevent contamination of watercourses and fish habitat.

Butox 12.5 mg/mL: initial spray/dip mixture per litre of water is 2 mL for ticks or flies, 4 mL for mites and 1 mL for lice. Topping-up amounts are 3, 6 and 1.5 mL/L respectively. Mites: two treatments 8 days apart; ticks: initial two treatments 15 days apart, then according to reinfestation.

For adult livestock, thoroughly wet with at least 3–5 L of prepared spray. Prepare the emulsion by premixing in a small volume of water and then making up the required mixture. Avoid treatment in the heat, and do not dip thirsty animals.

Butox product withdrawal: meat 20 days, milk 0 days. These values do not apply to every deltamethrin formulation.

Collars can repel sandfly vectors of leishmaniasis in addition to flea/tick control in the relevant territory. Collar age limits and duration differ by exact presentation; keep them separate from livestock spray/dip instructions.