Ectoparasiticidal methods and formulations

1. A method of controlling ectoparasite infestations of an animal which comprises topically administering a topical liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of spinetoram or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to said animal, wherein said animal is a companion animal, said ectoparasite is fleas, and said administration is carried out no more than every two weeks.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said companion animal is a dog.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said administration is spot-on, plunge or spray dipping, jetting with a hand held spray or in a race, or as a back-line spray or pour-on.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said administration is carried out no more than monthly.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said effective amount is 10 to 350 mg/kg of body weight of said animal.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said flea is Ctenocephalides felis.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said spinetoram or pharmaceutically acceptable salt is spinetoram.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said companion animal is a cat.

9. A method for controlling flea infestations of an animal being a dog or cat which comprises topically administering a topical liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of spinetoram or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to said dog or cat, wherein said effective amount is 10 to 350 mg/kg of body weight of said dog or cat, and said administration is carried out no more than every two weeks.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said flea is Ctenocephalides felis.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said administration is carried out no more than monthly.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said spinetoram or pharmaceutically acceptable salt is spinetoram.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein said animal is a dog.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein said animal is a cat.