ZOLVIX® (monepantel)

Product Type

Oral broad spectrum anthelmintic for the treatment of gastrointestinal roundworms in sheep. ZOLVIX® is a ready-to-use, low-volume oral drench.

Properties

ZOLVIX is from the first new class of sheep drench since the 1980’s. With its unique mode of action, zero resistance¹ ZOLVIX kills >99.9% of worms² offering unparalleled levels of control and certainty. No ZOLVIX resistant worm populations exist in the field so it will perform on your farm.ZOLVIX also has an impressive safety profile with no detrimental effects on sheep, people or the environment.³ New generation ZOLVIX delivers a new weapon for worm control that is highly effective, and when used in an in season rotation can minimise the development of drench resistance to other existing actives.⁴ It protects and promotes animal health while boosting productivity.⁵

Several years of field tests conducted on commercial farms in Australia, New Zealand and Europe confirmed the effectiveness of ZOLVIX. The in-field trials included farms with resistance to all three older broad-spectrum drench classes. ZOLVIX has an overall efficacy of 99.9%.6 .⁶

The active ingredient in ZOLVIX is monepantel, the first member of the amino-acetonitrile derivatives (AADs) or ‘orange’ drench class. Monepantel has a unique mode of action compared with all other available anthelmintics. Monepantel causes paralysis in worms by binding to a specific receptor found only in nematodes (roundworms). The specific receptor for the AADs has not been found in any animal species – this is believed to be the reason behind the high margin of safety in sheep and environmental safety.

Indications

ZOLVIX is for the treatment and control of AAD-sensitive strains of gastrointestinal roundworms, including macrocyclic lactone, benzimidazole, levamisole and morantel-resistant strains, in sheep.

ZOLVIX delivers high-level broad-spectrum efficacy, regardless of existing drench resistance status. When integrated into a drenching programme now, ZOLVIX also helps extend the lifespan of older drench classes. 

The absence of resistance to ZOLVIX in the field means that:

• ZOLVIX is the ideal choice for strategic treatments such as weaning, first summer and pre-lambing drenches which
  rely on the highest possible efficacy to achieve their aims.
• Using ZOLVIX now as part of a within season drench rotation will increase productivity and help delay the devlopment of
  resistance to existing drenches.⁴
• ZOLVIX is the only drench that can provide certainty in worm control and peace of mind for farmers who don’t know
  the current drench resistance status on their farm.

ZOLVIX. Every Flock, every year.

Novartis recommends that ZOLVIX is used now as part of an integrated worm control program, including drench resistance testing, worm monitoring, grazing management and the use of optimized genetics and nutrition.

Contact your animal health advisor or local Novartis Animal Health representative for recommendations specific to your farm and region.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dose rate is:

• 1mL per 10kg body weight (corresponding to 2.5mg monepantel per kg) for the treatment and control of AAD-sensitive strains of gastrointestinal roundworms, including macrocyclic lactone, benzimidazole, levamisole and morantel-resistant strains, in sheep in Australia.

Effective worm kill depends on correct and accurate dosing. Follow the dose instructions on the label closely.

Give a full dose orally according to the dosing table. Check the accuracy of the drenching gun before and during use. To ensure effective worm kill, NEVER underdose any animal.

A representative sample of animals should be weighed before treatment. Dose the mob to the heaviest animal in each group (ewes, rams, lambs, etc.). Where there is a large variation in size within the group, dose rate should be based on the label directions for each weight range. Drafting into two or more lines may be appropriate, to avoid excessive overdosing.

Always use the ZOLVIX Optimum™ Delivery System (featuring the Optiline® drencher and Optivix® backpack) and follow the user instructions provided. This system was designed and tested by farmers to ensure drenching is accurate, faster, easier and less tiring. 

ZOLVIX is a low volume, concentrated drench. The dose rate is 1mL/10kg.

Withholding Period

MEAT – DO NOT USE less than 14 days before slaughter for human consumption.

EXPORT SLAUGHTER INTERVAL – DO NOT USE less than 115 days before slaughter for export.

MILK – DO NOT USE in female sheep which are producing, or may in the future produce milk or milk products for human consumption.

RETREATMENT INTERVAL - DO NOT re-treat less than 21 days after the last treatment. After three consecutive treatments, 115 days must elapse before treating again.

See product label for full instructions.

Formulations and Packaging

ZOLVIX is a clear, self-lubricating orange solution.

ZOLVIX (25g/L monepantel) is available in the following sizes :

• 1L
• 2.5L
• 5L
• 5L Treatment Pack (includes 2x 2.5L ZOLVIX + Optivix® backpack + Optiline® drencher)
• 10L Treatment Pack (includes 2x 5L ZOLVIX + Optivix® backpack + Optiline® drencher)
• Optivix® backpack
• Optiline® drencher

Safety

SAFETY TO SHEEP
The safety of this product has not been established in lambs less than 2 weeks of age or 10 kg bodyweight. ZOLVIX has a wide margin of safety when used as recommended and is readily accepted by sheep. Pregnant and breeding sheep may be treated provided normal care is taken in handling.

SAFETY DIRECTIONS
May irritate the eyes. Will irritate the skin. Repeated exposure may cause allergic disorders. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. If product on skin, immediately wash area with soap and water. When using the product wear elbow length chemical resistant gloves. Wash hands after use. After each day’s use wash gloves and contaminated clothing.

If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre (Phone 13 1126).

If additional hazard information is required, refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet. For a copy phone 1800 633 768.

Protection of Wildlife, Fish, Crustacea and Environment: Do not contaminate dams, waterways or drains with the product or used containers. Do not discharge waste liquid into streams.

Please refer to the ZOLVIX label before use.

References

1. Zero Resistance – no monepantel resistant nematode populations exist in the field. 2. Kills >99.9% of barbers pole, small brown stomach and black scour worms. A pooled analysis of the efficacy of monepantel, an amino-acetonitrile derivative against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Hosking et al., Parasitol Res (2010), 106: 529-532. 3. When used according to the label instructions. 4. Hosking, B.C. & Dobson, R.J. (2010)The amino-acetonitrile derivatives, a new anthelmintic class in Australia: efficacy and options for use. In proceedings of the 3rd AVA/NZVA Pan Pacific Veterinary Conference. Brisbane. Pp 1–9. 5. “The production costs of anthelmintic resistance in sheep managed within a monthly preventive drench programme.” Sutherland, I.A.1, Bailey, J.2 and Shaw, R.S.1 1AgResearch Ltd., The Hopkirk Research Institute and 2Novartis Animal Health Australasia. 6. A pooled analysis of the efficacy of monepantel, an amino-acetonitrile derivative against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Hosking et al., Parasitol Res (2010), 106: 529-532. 7. Besier et al. Drench resistance – a large economic cost WA J Ag 1996. 8. Sackett et al. Assessing the economic cost of endemic disease, MLA, 2006.

ZOLVIX contains 25 g/L monepantel, a member of the Amino-Acetonitrile Derivative (AAD) class of anthelmintics. ZOLVIX® is a registered trademark and OPTIMUM™ is a trademark of Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland.
For full product details contact NOVARTIS CUSTOMER ADVISORY LINE on 1800 633 768 TOLL FREE between 8.30am and 5.30pm E.S.T. Monday to Friday. Novartis Animal Health Australasia Pty Limited, ACN 076 745 198, 54 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113.