EQUINE PARASITE TREATMENT METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS
New compositions and methods are provided for controlling a parasitic infection in a horse through administration of an effective amount of D. flagrans . In certain aspects, multiple, distinct strains of D. flagrans are administered. In additional aspects, the amount and treatment regimen of D. flagrans administered to a horse is based on one or more pre-identified characteristics of the horse, is combined with additional therapeutic agents for more comprehensive parasite control, or is accomplished via custom made, pre-measured daily dose packages. In another aspect, compositions and methods are provided that comprise combined use of 1) D. flagrans and 2) one or more insect growth regulators.
1 . A method for treating or controlling a parasitic infection in a mammal, comprising:
administering to the mammal an effective amount of D. flagrans selected for the mammal to control a parasitic infection.
2 . A method for treating or controlling a parasitic infection in a mammal comprising:
administering to the mammal an effective amount of multiple, distinct strains of D. flagrans.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the mammal is a horse.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein the mammal is a livestock animal.
5 . The method of claim 1 wherein the administered D. flagrans passes through the digestive tract of the mammal, resides in the subject's manure and therein captures infective parasites.
6 . The method of claim 1 wherein the mammal has been identified as susceptible to or suffering from a small strongyles (equine cyathostomin) and/or large strongyles infection.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein the administered amount of D. flagrans has been selected based on one or more characteristics of the mammal.
8 . The method of claim 1 wherein the administered D. flagrans had been packaged based on one or more previously identified characteristics of the mammal.
9 . The method of claim 1 wherein the administered D. flagrans had been packaged together with additional feed and/or therapeutic agents based on one or more previously identified characteristics of the mammal.
10 . The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more additional therapeutic agents are administered to the mammal in conjunction with the D. flagrans.
11 . The method of claim 1 wherein the D. flagrans and/or wherein the one or more additional therapeutic agents are administered to the mammal through custom made, pre-measured daily dose packages.
12 . The method of claim 9 wherein the one or more additional therapeutic agents are selected from a macrocyclic lactone, a pyrimidine, a benzimidazole, pyraziquantel, diatomaceous earth, an insect growth regulator, and/or parasite wasps.
13 . The method of claim 1 wherein the D. flagrans is administered to the mammal together with food.
14 . The method of claim 1 wherein the D. flagrans is administered to the mammal once per day.
15 . The method of claim 1 wherein the D. flagrans is administered to the horse multiple times per day.
16 . The method of claim 1 wherein the D. flagrans is administered to the horse multiple times per week for at least 30 consecutive weeks.
17 . A composition for administration to a horse or other mammal comprising multiple, distinct strains of D. flagrans.
18 . A packaged composition for administration to a horse or other mammal comprising an effective amount of one or more distinct strains of D. flagrans.
19 . The composition of claim 17 wherein the D. flagrans is packaged in an amount based on one or more previously identified characteristics of the mammal.
20 . The composition of claim 17 wherein the D. flagrans and additional feed and/or therapeutic agents are segregated within a unitary packaging.
21 . A method for treating or controlling a parasitic infection in a mammal, comprising:
administering to the mammal an effective amount one or more compositions comprising: 1) D. flagrans and 2) one or more insect growth regulators.
22 . The method of claim 21 wherein the one or more insect growth regulators are cyroazine and/or diflubenzuron.
23 . The method of claim 21 wherein the mammal is a horse.
24 . A composition for administration to a horse or other mammal comprising: 1) D. flagrans and 2) one or more insect growth regulators such as cyroazine and/or diflubenzuron.