Chemoprophylaxis (Imidocarb) against Babesia bigemina and Babesia argentina infections
Todorovic, R.A.; Vizcaino, O.G.; Gonzalez, E.F.; Adams, L.G.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 34(9): 1153-1161
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4747036 Document Number: 58981
An i/m dose of 2 mg/kg imidocarb suppressed the development of acute babesiasis in calves given a lethal dose of infective blood 46 days later. Imidocarb failed to protect against Anaplasma marginale. An i/v dose of 2 mg/kg protected against lethal Babesia infection 20 days later. For 90 days after challenge, none of the calves had parasitaemia, as determined by examination of stained blood films and by subinoculation of blood into splenectomized calves. An i/v dose of 3 mg/kg protected against tick-borne challenge of Boophilus microplus 21 days later; this protection was evidenced by 15 weeks of field exposure by negative results of examinations of stained blood films and death of untreated calves from acute babesiasis. All calves treated with imidocarb and subsequently exposed to blood or tick-borne Babesia responded with an increase of CF antibodies. Imidocarb readily controlled severe acute infections with B. bigemina and B. argentina when given at 1 mg/kg i/m or s/c. Signs of acute toxicosis were observed in calves given 3 mg/kg i/v; three calves died after exhibiting dyspnoea, oral respiration, excessive salivation, muscular fasciculations, incoordination and prostration. Signs of toxicosis were milder after i/m or s/c injection.