Parasiticides, Environmental Impacts, and Resistance: A New Era of Lifestyle-Based Recommendations

Presentation Description / Summary: The clinical use of ectoparasiticides is essential for controlling external parasites in companion animals, but growing evidence of resistance raises concerns about long-term effectiveness. While some parasiticides, like imidacloprid and isoxazolines, have not yet shown resistance in companion animal parasites, others, such as pyrethroids and macrocyclic lactones, have documented cases of resistance, particularly in fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Given the rise in resistance and environmental concerns, the veterinary community must reconsider current broad-spectrum parasite prevention strategies to promote better stewardship and sustainability of these treatments. This will be a debate-style presentation that covers the pros and cons of lifestyle-based recommendations.