Infected black-legged ticks were killed before they could transmit the bacterium.
NexGard is a chewable tablet indicated for use in dogs 8 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 4 pounds. At left, a black-legged tick.
NexGard, a popular flea and tick parasiticide, prevents infected black-legged ticks from transmitting Lyme disease to dogs, according to a newly approved label claim.
Merial, which merged with Boehringer Ingelheim in 2017, reported Aug. 21 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepted the company’s findings from two laboratory studies.
“Both studies measured the transmission of B. burgdorferi to dogs after exposure to infected ticks,” said Zach Mills, DVM, head of U.S. Pet Veterinary Professional Services. “All dogs treated with NexGard tested negative for B. burgdorferi infection, demonstrating that transmission was prevented as a direct result of NexGard killing the infected ticks.
The manufacturer stated that NexGard is the first and only flea and tick product to receive FDA approval for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease by killing the vector ticks.
An estimated 5 to 10 percent of dogs exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi develop Lyme disease, according to the FDA.
NexGard (afoxolaner) also kills American dog ticks and lone star ticks and is formulated to treat and prevent flea infestations.