Exiguard Buffalo Fly Insecticide

Description

How Exiguard works

Exiguard Buffalo Fly Insecticide relies on chlorfenvinphos, an organophosphate, to kill buffalo flies. It works by inhibiting a critical enzyme in flies’ nervous systems, which, when blocked, causes dysregulation of nerve signals, leading to paralysis and death. The chemical affects flies that come into contact with or feed on treated cattle, and persists on the animal’s hair and skin for protection that can last up to several weeks after application.

Why buffalo fly control matters

Buffalo fly control is extremely critical for ensuring the overall health and productivity of cattle. These pests are relentless, feeding off an animal between 10 and 40 times per day. Heavy buffalo fly infestations can create significant production issues, including up to 20kg of weight loss across a single season in beef cattle and lowered milk production in dairy cows. Bites also lead to scratching, rubbing, sores, and lesions via parasitic nematode (Stephanofilaria stilesi) transmission, all of which are painful for animals and costly for producers, as they often require veterinary intervention.

Does Exiguard control other cattle pests like ticks or lice?

No, Exiguard is specifically formulated for buffalo fly control only. It won’t effectively control other parasites like cattle tick, lice, or internal parasites. For comprehensive parasite management, combine Exiguard with relevant drenches or pour-on treatments for internal and external parasites.

Is Exiguard better than buffalo fly ear tags?

Exiguard and buffalo fly ear tags serve different purposes, so no one control method is better than the other. Ear tags provide long-term (3-to-5-month) protection, but only address the head and neck regions. Additionally, fly resistance to synthetic pyrethroids, the most common chemical used in ear tags, is steadily increasing in many areas of Australia. 

Meanwhile, Exiguard Buffalo Fly Insecticide works in scenarios where pyrethroid resistance has developed, providing whole-body coverage when used as overspray. 

Many producers opt to use both in their operations: ear tags for baseline protection, alongside Exiguard back rubbers or overspray for additional, comprehensive control during peak fly pressure seasons. Exiguard’s nil withholding periods for milk and meat also make it a more flexible option when dealing with for-sale cattle or dairy operations.

How does it compare to other products like Supona?

Exiguard is comparable to other chlorfenvinphos-based products on the market, such as Supona Buffalo Fly Insecticide, which contains the same active ingredient at an equal concentration (200g/L). These products are equally effective control methods for buffalo fly – choice often comes down to factors like price, availability, and supplier preference. 

Can Exiguard be used on dairy cattle?

Yes, Exiguard buffalo fly treatment can be used on dairy cattle. It has a nil milk withholding period, which means you can treat lactating cows without discarding milk. This creates a major advantage in dairy operations where buffalo fly stress is impacting milk production.

How often does Exiguard need to be readministered to cattle?

The frequency with which you should administer Exiguard depends on fly pressure, weather, and your chosen application method. Back rubbers provide ongoing protection as cattle self-treat, so refills are only required every 2 to 4 weeks. Overspray typically offers 3 to 4 weeks of protection, but will need to be reapplied when fly counts rebound above economic thresholds – 200 per animal (100 per side) for beef, and 30 per animal (15 per side) for dairy.