The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new, broad-spectrum parasite control product from Merial that will treat and control 61 species and stages of equine parasites, including tapeworms.

Zimecterin Gold combines two active ingredients, ivermectin and praziquantel, to provide a broad spectrum of parasite control. Praziquantel is proven to have a wide margin of safety and to be highly effective for controlling tapeworms in dogs, cats, and now horses. Zimecterin Gold is the first equine dewormer licensed in the United States for the control of equine tapeworms. Along with the tapeworms, the FDA confirmed that Zimecterin Gold is effective at controlling 32 species and stages of small strongyles along with control of large strongyles, bots, roundworms, threadworms, pinworms, hairworms, lungworms, and stomach worms.

According to Duane Maye, DVM, Product Manager for Merial Equine Global Enterprise, Zimecterin Gold represents another important breakthrough.

“We’re very excited to introduce Zimecterin Gold,” said Maye. “It provides all the protection that comes with Zimecterin, in addition to controlling tapeworms. Used as the foundation, or principal dewormer in any parasite control program, Zimecterin Gold should help to reduce the incidence of parasite-related colic and a host of other gastrointestinal problems commonly associated with parasite infections