Flectron
Active substance
ATC code
Species
Cattle
Indications
| For the control of flies on cattle. | |
| Nuisance flies: | Face fly (Musca autumnalis) |
| Head fly (Hydrotea irritans) | |
| Biting flies: | Horn fly (Haematobia irritans syn Lyperosia irritans) |
| Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) | |
| Cattle biting fly (Haematobia stimulans syn Haematobosca stimulans). |
|
While the five fly species listed above constitute the majority found on cattle in Western Europe, there are many other species both within and outside Europe against which tags may provide some protection. These include:
Warble (gad) fly (Hypoderma sp)
Horse fly (Tabanus bovinus)
Clegs (Haematopota pluvialis)
Screw-worm (Callitroga sp)
Blow fly (Lucilia sp)
Other species reported as forming a minor component of the fly population on cattle monitored during trials of tags include:
Sweat fly (Morellia simplex)
Black fly (Simulium reptans)
Lesser house fly (Fannia coniculars)
Flectron ear tags provide protection throughout the fly season. For maximum benefit they should therefore be applied at the beginning of the season before fly populations build up. For complete control the entire herd should be tagged.
One tag per animal is usually sufficient to achieve acceptable levels of fly control. However, where head and face fly attack is very severe, two tags may be necessary, one on each ear.
Dose to be administered and administration route
Flectron ear tags should be attached to the ear as follows:
Load stud and tag into the applicator. Always dip the loaded applicator into disinfectant solution before each application. Any skin compatible disinfectant may be used. This assists application, helps prevent spread of infection, aids hygiene and promotes healing. Restrain the animal, preferably in a crush, so that the ear can be reached easily. Position the point of the fixing stud in a central position between the blood vessels in an area of firm tissue halfway between the head and the tip of the ear, with the fly tag on the back of the ear. A position between the second and third rib of the ear is ideal. Thick sections of the ear should be avoided.
Depress the applicator until a click is heard. This means the tag and the fixing are firmly secured. After fixing, pull the stud and tag firmly apart as far as possible. A correctly fixed tag will hold firm. Do not push the tag and stud back together, as this can lead to compression of the ear tissue. The two should swing freely in the ear.
If a tag is lost during the season it is usually because of poor application. Flectron ear tags will remain flexible and active for a season.
Tags should be removed at the end of each fly season and before cattle go for slaughter. The neck of the stud behind the ear can be cut with round-nosed scissors. The new tag can be applied through the hole left by the previous one the following season.
Adverse reactions
This product belongs to the pyrethroid group. Possible undesirable effects can be irritation and allergic reactions on the skin.
