New AiM-A Abamectin™ VetCaps, now available from AgriLabs®, give cattle producers a new weapon against horn flies – a problem that costs the cattle industry $1 billion each year.
The new AiM-A VetCaps – abamectin insecticide-filled gel capsules – are delivered via the VetGun™ precision-dosage system. With their unique modes-of-action, AiM-A VetCaps can be used in an in-season rotation program with AiM-L™ VetCaps (lambda-cyhalothrin) to manage horn fly resistance in beef cattle.
As part of the VetGun platform, AiM-A VetCaps offer horn fly control that's safe, effective and stress-free for cattle and producers, says AgriLabs Executive Vice President Sean O'Hare. "AiM-A and AiM-L deliver a 'one-two punch' to combat horn flies," O'Hare says, "The new AiM-A VetCap is a significant addition to the VetGun delivery platform, offering cattlemen yet another tool against horn flies."
Topically applied and absorbed through the skin in treated animals, AiM-A Abamectin VetCaps have been shown to be effective against new horn fly hatchlings within 24 hours of feeding. Efficacy lasts up to 30 days.
In an independent field trial conducted in central Texas, AiM-A VetCaps were applied to test cattle with significant horn fly burdens. AiM-A provided knock-down control and remained greater than 95% effective in control of horn flies through four weeks.
"AiM-A VetCaps fit perfectly into producers' insecticide resistance management programs," O’Hare adds. "The addition of new AiM-A takes the VetGun platform to the next level and demonstrates AgriLabs' ability to drive innovation through strategic partnerships."
"The proven convenience of the VetGun enables a single rancher to dose an entire herd out at pasture - no labor, no handling, no stress. Simplifying delivery means ranchers can now apply VetCaps only when parasites are causing economic damage," says Grant Weyer, inventor and CEO of SmartVet. "By minimizing the time horn flies are exposed to each insecticide, then rotating chemical classes in short order, these harmful parasites have less time to develop their defenses. The VetGun has just raised the bar in the fight against parasite resistance."
AgriLabs, along with AiM-A developer and partner SmartVet, continues to bring innovation to the insecticide market with this first-in-class program for the rotation of two different modes of action within the same parasite season. "By color-coding the VetCaps, SmartVet has made the rotation of insecticide classes simple and highly effective" adds Weyer.