2023 FHANA Research Grant Award for University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

The FHANA Board of Directors has announced the award of the 2023 FHANA Research Grant to the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine for their study on the pharmacokinetics of fluralaner. Fluralaner, an oral ectoparasiticide marketed under the brand name Bravecto®, is prescribed for the treatment of external parasites such as ticks, mites, and lice that can contribute to chronic progressive lymphedema, chronic pastern dermatitis, and insect bite hypersensitivity in feathered and draft breeds.

Health and welfare of Friesian horses

The $9,000 grant is the second of FHANA’s Research Grant Program, which is designed to support equine veterinarians in the USA, Canada, and the European Union and who are in programs that will advance their research skills and improve the health and welfare of Friesian horses. The Research Grant Program was developed to support the KFPS and of course FHANA’s strategic goal to contribute to genetic research and equine wellness for the Friesian horse.

Understanding the safety, efficacy, and dosing of Fluralaner in horses

The goal of the study is to determine the concentration of fluralaner in the plasma and skin of healthy horses after treating them with an oral dose of 25 mg/kg. The goal of the study is to  determine the therapeutic level of the medication required in horses to treat external parasites safely, efficiently, and in a cost effective manner. Ultimately this treatment could prevent chronic conditions that adversely affect the wellbeing and quality of life of feathered and draft horses. Fluralaner is currently utilized in dogs, cats, and other species and is known to be a safe and effective therapeutic agent. This study is important for promoting its use in equids.

Study Timeline

The research team anticipates their data analysis will take place in the fall of 2023 and manuscript preparation in the winter of 2023/2024.