Acaricidal and repellent properties of permethrin, its role in reducing transmission of vector-borne pathogens.

Vector-borne pathogens causing canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) are recognized as being of increasing importance in small animal clinics. The pathogens and their vectors (eg, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sand flies) have a global distribution. Their prevalence may vary depending on region, climate, hygiene and many other factors; however the risk of infection for companion animals in our highly developed and supposedly regulated environments will never be zero. Even in highly developed markets, with high socioeconomic standards, ectoparasites are still a threat to both pets and humans. One has to understand the complexity of arthropod biology and esp. the complex mechanisms of host seeking, attachment and skin penetration and finally feeding, to differentiate the various acaricides and their therapeutic as well as prophylactic properties. Prevention of arthropod bites is mainly by prevention of attachment and thus any engorgement if possible. To achieve this, acaricides with repellent properties, such as the synthetic pyrethroid permethrin are ideal compounds to reach this goal.