Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 16802

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Interests: pharmacology and txicology in animals

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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Interests: veterinary medicine; oxidative stress; erythrocytes; animal nutrition; animal matrices; physiology; antioxidant; reactive oxygen species
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pharmacology and toxicology are major topics in the veterinary field. They are involved in achieving and maintaining the wellbeing of companion, exotic/wildlife, and food-producing animals. Therefore, they correlate strongly with other veterinary subjects, such as physiology and clinical subjects.

Nowadays, people and animals are continuously exposed to several agents that, depending on the dose, can act as toxic substances producing detrimental effects and posing a serious threat to the wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment.

The persistent exposure to toxicants derived from industrial processes and to other contaminants of emerging concern, such as overused pharmaceuticals, can directly or indirectly endanger the health of animal species. Moreover, this can increase the risk for human health due to the persistent presence of these poisons in the food chain.

 For this reason, the study of these disciplines is of high concern from a “one-health” perspective.

This Special Issue aims to bring together high-quality research, short communications, case reports, and review articles. Potential topics include but are not limited to the following: emerging contaminants residues in animal matrices, the effects of xenobiotics in animals, the analysis of physiological parameters after exposure to toxic agents, methods for determining pollutants in animals and environmental matrices, and basic and clinical pharmacological studies.

Additionally, in vitro and in silico studies will be accepted if they focus on the topic of the Special Issue.

Dr. Maria Vittoria Varoni
Dr. Elena Baralla
Dr. Valeria Pasciu
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 814 KiB  
Article
Tolerability of 2 and 4 mg/kg Dosing Every 12 Hour of a Cannabidiol- and Cannabidiolic Acid-Rich Hemp Extract on Mixed-Breed Dogs Utilized for Teaching in a Closed Colony
by Trista Mills, Stephanie Myers, Daniel Hughes and Joseph Wakshlag
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131863 - 24 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1116
Abstract
With the increase in popularity of utilizing cannabidiol (CBD) for human ailments, owners are actively interested in the possible utilization of cannabinoid products for their pets. The evaluation of CBD-rich hemp as an anti-anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, and anti-epileptic supplement has been assessed in [...] Read more.
With the increase in popularity of utilizing cannabidiol (CBD) for human ailments, owners are actively interested in the possible utilization of cannabinoid products for their pets. The evaluation of CBD-rich hemp as an anti-anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, and anti-epileptic supplement has been assessed in previous studies in dogs, with adverse events such as ataxia or lethargy noted. In this study, the utilization of CBD-rich hemp was assessed at two concentrations to ascertain the impact on behavior as well as the tolerability of the medication given in a typically recommended dose and then twice that dose. Eighteen dogs were utilized in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 3 × 3 designed study. Each group of six dogs was provided placebo, 2 mg/kg, and 4 mg/kg of a cannabidiol/cannabidiolic acid (CBD/CBDA)-rich hemp in two-week intervals with one-week washout periods between each treatment period. Throughout the 10-week treatment period, student evaluations were performed, simulating clients’ subjective assessments. Improvements in anxiety-related behavior and adverse events related to lethargy and ataxia were not observed and may indicate that the utilization of CBD-rich hemp products for behavioral changes may require higher dosing to mitigate unwanted behaviors in normal, healthy dogs. Furthermore, serum chemistry and serum cortisol were evaluated after each treatment period showing only a mildly significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase when dosing at 4 mg/kg every 12 h, which is consistent with previously reported CBD dosing at these higher concentrations. Adverse events associated with CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract given at 2 and 4 mg/kg every 12 h for two weeks were not reported, suggesting that using CBD-rich hemp in young, healthy dogs was safe during two weeks of treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)
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19 pages, 9880 KiB  
Article
Vitamin B12 Ameliorates Pesticide-Induced Sociability Impairment in Zebrafish (Danio rerio): A Prospective Controlled Intervention Study
by Madalina Andreea Robea, Ovidiu Dumitru Ilie, Mircea Nicusor Nicoara, Gheorghe Solcan, Laura Ecaterina Romila, Dorel Ureche and Alin Ciobica
Animals 2024, 14(3), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14030405 - 26 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1551
Abstract
Constant exposure to a variety of environmental factors has become increasingly problematic. A variety of illnesses are initiated or aided by the presence of certain perturbing factors. In the case of autism spectrum disorder, the environmental component plays an important part in determining [...] Read more.
Constant exposure to a variety of environmental factors has become increasingly problematic. A variety of illnesses are initiated or aided by the presence of certain perturbing factors. In the case of autism spectrum disorder, the environmental component plays an important part in determining the overall picture. Moreover, the lack of therapies to relieve existing symptoms complicates the fight against this condition. As a result, animal models have been used to make biomedical research easier and more suited for disease investigations. The current study used zebrafish as an animal model to mimic a real-life scenario: acute exposure to an increased dose of pesticides, followed by prospective intervention-based therapy with vitamin B12 (vit. B12). It is known that vit. B12 is involved in brain function nerve tissue, and red blood cell formation. Aside from this, the role of vit. B12 in the redox processes is recognized for its help against free radicals. To investigate the effect of vit. B12, fish were divided into four different groups and exposed to a pesticide mixture (600 μg L−1 fipronil + 600 μg L−1 pyriproxyfen) and 0.24 μg L−1 vit. B12 for 14 days. The impact of the compounds was assessed daily with EthoVision XT 11.5 software for behavioral observations, especially for sociability, quantified by the social interaction test. In addition, at the end of the study, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The results showed significant improvements in locomotor activity parameters and a positive influence of the vitamin on sociability. Regarding the state of oxidative stress, high activity was found for SOD and GPx in the case of vit. B12, while fish exposed to the mixture of pesticides and vit. B12 had a lower level of MDA. In conclusion, the study provides new data about the effect of vit. B12 in zebrafish, highlighting the potential use of vitamin supplementation to maintain and support the function of the organism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)
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13 pages, 1073 KiB  
Article
Protective Role of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF) against Deltamethrin Toxicity in Honeybees (Apis mellifera)
by Roberto Bava, Fabio Castagna, Stefano Ruga, Rosamaria Caminiti, Saverio Nucera, Rosa Maria Bulotta, Clara Naccari, Domenico Britti, Vincenzo Mollace and Ernesto Palma
Animals 2023, 13(24), 3764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243764 - 6 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1390
Abstract
Pesticide-induced poisoning phenomena are a serious problem for beekeeping and can cause large losses of honeybee populations due to acute and sub-acute poisoning. The reduced responsiveness of honeybees to the damage caused by pesticides used in agriculture can be traced back to a [...] Read more.
Pesticide-induced poisoning phenomena are a serious problem for beekeeping and can cause large losses of honeybee populations due to acute and sub-acute poisoning. The reduced responsiveness of honeybees to the damage caused by pesticides used in agriculture can be traced back to a general qualitative and quantitative impoverishment of the nectar resources of terrestrial ecosystems. Malnutrition is associated with a decline in the functionality of the immune system and the systems that are delegated to the detoxification of the organism. This research aimed to verify whether bergamot polyphenolic extract (BPF) could have protective effects against poisoning by the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin. The studies were conducted with caged honeybees under controlled conditions. Sub-lethal doses of pesticides and related treatments for BPF were administered. At a dose of 21.6 mg/L, deltamethrin caused mortality in all treated subjects (20 caged honeybees) after one day of administration. The groups where BPF (1 mg/kg) was added to the toxic solution recorded the survival of honeybees by up to three days. Comparing the honeybees of the groups in which the BPF-deltamethrin association was added to the normal diet (sugar solution) with those in which deltamethrin alone was added to the normal diet, the BPF group had a statistically significant reduction in the honeybee mortality rate (p ≤ 0.05) and a greater consumption of food. Therefore, it can be argued that the inclusion of BPF and its constituent antioxidants in the honeybee diet reduces toxicity and oxidative stress caused by oral intake of deltamethrin. Furthermore, it can be argued that BPF administration could compensate for metabolic energy deficits often induced by the effects of malnutrition caused by environmental degradation and standard beekeeping practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)
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26 pages, 37656 KiB  
Article
Dietary Curcumin Modulating Effect on Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Immune-Related Response of Broiler Chickens Exposed to Imidacloprid Insecticide
by Naglaa Z. Eleiwa, Ahmed A. El-Shabrawi, Doaa Ibrahim, Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith, Elsayed M. Younis, Simon J. Davies, Mohamed M. M. Metwally and Ehsan H. Abu-Zeid
Animals 2023, 13(23), 3650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233650 - 25 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1824
Abstract
Birds appear to be especially vulnerable to adverse impacts from insecticides. This is especially true for imidacloprid (IMI), which is considered the most toxic to avian species. Recently, prospective studies aimed at including natural alternative products to alleviate the toxic impact that comes [...] Read more.
Birds appear to be especially vulnerable to adverse impacts from insecticides. This is especially true for imidacloprid (IMI), which is considered the most toxic to avian species. Recently, prospective studies aimed at including natural alternative products to alleviate the toxic impact that comes from insecticides have been increased. Focusing on herbal growth promoters and antioxidative medicament for the poultry industry, this ongoing experiment was conducted to examine the curcumin role (CUR) in mitigating IMI-prompted detrimental effects on broilers’ performance, immunity, and antioxidant status. A total number of one hundred and fifty commercial meat-type Ross 308 broilers chicks (one-day-old) were randomly allocated into equal five groups (30 chicks/group and 10 birds/replicate). The first group (C) was the control; the second group (CUR) was fed a diet containing CUR at the level of 450 mg/kg; the third group (IMI) was fed control diet for 14 days and then was fed a diet containing IMI at the level of 50 mg/kg; the fourth group (CUR+IMI co-treated) was fed a diet containing CUR+IMI; and the fifth group (CUR+IMI pro/co-treated) was fed a diet containing CUR for 14 days as protective and then a diet containing CUR+IMI for the rest of the trial. CUR supplementation either in the (CUR pro/co-treated) or (CUR co-treated) groups significantly (p < 0.05) improved final body weight and total body weight gain while decreasing the total feed intake and feed conversion ratio when compared to the IMI-exposed and non-treated birds. CUR induced a significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in hematological indices, phagocytosis %, phagocytic index, intracellular killing capacity, total proteins, globulin, liver function enzymes, lysozyme activity, and immunoglobulin-G levels compared to IMI-exposed and non-treated birds. In addition, dietary supplementation of CUR significantly (p < 0.05) modulated oxidative stress-related biomarkers in splenic tissues (total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and decreased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05) when compared to IMI-exposed and non-treated birds. CUR significantly down-regulated mRNA levels expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and TLR4 and up-regulated IL-10 mRNA expression levels in spleens of birds when compared to those exposed to IMI-and non-treated. Finally, our results provided new insight into IMI-induced immuno-toxicity in broiler chickens. Furthermore, for the first time, our study informed that CUR can cause an in vivo protective effect against IMI toxicity, principally as a protective and/or as concurrent supplementation during the exposure to IMI toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)
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16 pages, 1328 KiB  
Article
Do Organochlorine Contaminants Modulate the Parasitic Infection Degree in Mediterranean Trout (Salmo trutta)?
by Anna Monnolo, Maria Teresa Clausi, Filomena Del Piano, Mario Santoro, Maria Lorena Fiorentino, Lorella Barca, Giovanna Fusco, Barbara Degli Uberti, Luigia Ferrante, Raffaelina Mercogliano and Maria Carmela Ferrante
Animals 2023, 13(18), 2961; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182961 - 19 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1126
Abstract
We investigated the occurrence of organochlorine pollutants (OCs) in the muscle of brown trout and evaluated their potential modulation of parasite infection. The toxicological risk for consumer health was assessed, too. Trout were collected from the Sila National Park (Calabria region, South of [...] Read more.
We investigated the occurrence of organochlorine pollutants (OCs) in the muscle of brown trout and evaluated their potential modulation of parasite infection. The toxicological risk for consumer health was assessed, too. Trout were collected from the Sila National Park (Calabria region, South of Italy). The highest concentrations emerged for the sum of the 6 non-dioxin-like (ndl) indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (Σ6ndl-PCBs), followed by the 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-di(4-chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDT), dioxin-like PCBs, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and dieldrin. Measured on lipid weight (LW), the mean value of Σ6ndl-PCBs amounted to 201.9 ng g−1, that of ΣDDTs (the sum of DDT-related compounds) to 100.2 ng g−1, with the major contribution of the DDT-metabolite p,p’-DDE which was detected in all sample units (97.6 ng g−1 on average). Among dioxin-like congeners, PCB 118 showed the highest mean concentration (21.96 ng g−1 LW) and was detected in all sample units. Regression analysis of intestinal parasites on OC concentration was performed, controlling for two potential confounding factors, namely sex and sexual stage. The results evidenced the existence of interactions between the dual stressors in the host-parasite system in the wild. A negative and statistically significant correlation was estimated, suggesting that OCs may decrease parasite infection degree. Regarding the toxicological risk evaluation, OC concentrations were consistently below the current European Maximum Residue Limits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)
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23 pages, 12138 KiB  
Article
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) Induce Cytotoxicity in the Zebrafish Olfactory Organs via Activating Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis at the Ultrastructure and Genetic Levels
by Sheren A. Al-Zahaby, Mayada R. Farag, Mahmoud Alagawany, Heba S. A. Taha, Maria Vittoria Varoni, Giuseppe Crescenzo and Suzan Attia Mawed
Animals 2023, 13(18), 2867; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182867 - 9 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1812
Abstract
Nanotechnology has gained tremendous attention because of its crucial characteristics and wide biomedical applications. Although zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are involved in many industrial applications, researchers pay more attention to their toxic effects on living organisms. Since the olfactory epithelium is exposed to [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology has gained tremendous attention because of its crucial characteristics and wide biomedical applications. Although zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are involved in many industrial applications, researchers pay more attention to their toxic effects on living organisms. Since the olfactory epithelium is exposed to the external environment, it is considered the first organ affected by ZnO-NPs. Herein, we demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of ZnO-NPs on the olfactory organ of adult zebrafish after 60 days post-treatment. We opted for this period when fishes stop eating their diet from the aquarium, appear feeble, and cannot swim freely. Our study demonstrated that ZnO-NPs induced significant malformations of the olfactory rosettes at histological, ultrastructural, and genetic levels. At the ultrastructure level, the olfactory lamellae appeared collapsed, malformed, and twisted with signs of degeneration and loss of intercellular connections. In addition, ZnO-NPs harmed sensory receptor and ciliated cells, microvilli, rodlet, crypt, and Kappe cells, with hyper-activity of mucous secretion from goblet cells. At the genetic level, ZnO-NPs could activate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis expected by the down-regulation of mRNA expression for the antioxidant-related genes and up-regulation of DNA damage, cell growth arrest, and apoptosis. Interestingly, ZnO-NPs affected the odor sensation at 60 days post-treatment (60-dpt) more than at 30-dpt, severely damaging the olfactory epithelium and irreparably affecting the cellular repairing mechanisms. This induced a dramatically adverse effect on the cellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER), revealed by higher CHOP protein expression, that suppresses the antioxidant effect of Nrf2 and is followed by the induction of apoptosis via the up-regulation of Bax expression and down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)
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13 pages, 306 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Aflatoxin B1 Intake in Assaf Dairy Ewes on Aflatoxin M1 Excretion, Milk Yield, Haematology and Biochemical Profile
by Raúl Bodas, F. Javier Giráldez, Sara Olmedo, Marta Herrera, Susana Lorán, Agustín Ariño, Secundino López, Alberto Benito and Teresa Juan
Animals 2023, 13(3), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030436 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo transfer of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to Assaf ewes’ milk (aflatoxin M1, AFM1) and its effect on animal performance and health. Thirty Assaf ewes were allocated to three groups (C, L, H), and [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo transfer of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to Assaf ewes’ milk (aflatoxin M1, AFM1) and its effect on animal performance and health. Thirty Assaf ewes were allocated to three groups (C, L, H), and received a different individual daily dose of AFB1 (0, 40 and 80 μg) for 13 days. Milk (days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 16 and 18) and blood (days 1, 7, 14 and 18) samples were collected. Milk yield, composition (except protein) and somatic cell counts (SCC) were not affected by AFB1 intake (p > 0.05). Haemoglobin concentration increased (p < 0.05) and haematocrit and alanine aminotransferase levels tended to increase (p < 0.10) in group H on day 14. AFM1 excretion was highly variable and detected in L and H animals from days 1 to 16 (3 days increase, 10 days steady-state, 3 days clearance). Carry-over rate (0.23%) was significantly higher in L (0.22–0.34%) than in H (0.16–0.19%) animals (p < 0.05). AFB1 daily doses of 40 to 80 µg do not impair milk yield; however, it may start affecting animals’ health. Milk AFM1 depends mainly on the AFB1 intake whereas carryover rate is positively influenced by the level of milk production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)

Review

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20 pages, 1281 KiB  
Review
An Overview of the Health Effects of Bisphenol A from a One Health Perspective
by Ana M. Molina-López, Francisca Bujalance-Reyes, Nahúm Ayala-Soldado, Rafael Mora-Medina, Antonio Lora-Benítez and Rosario Moyano-Salvago
Animals 2023, 13(15), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152439 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3976
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound, considered as an “emerging pollutant”, that appears ubiquitously, contaminating the environment and food. It is an endocrine disruptor, found in a multitude of consumer products, as it is a constituent of polycarbonate used in the manufacture [...] Read more.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound, considered as an “emerging pollutant”, that appears ubiquitously, contaminating the environment and food. It is an endocrine disruptor, found in a multitude of consumer products, as it is a constituent of polycarbonate used in the manufacture of plastics and epoxy resins. Many studies have evaluated the effects of BPA, using a wide range of doses and animal models. In this work, we carried out a review of relevant research related to the effects of BPA on health, through studies performed at different doses, in different animal models, and in human monitoring studies. Numerous effects of BPA on health have been described; in different animal species, it has been reported that it interferes with fertility in both females and males and causes alterations in their offspring, as well as being associated with an increase in hormone-dependent pathologies. Similarly, exposure to BPA has been related to other diseases of great relevance in public health such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Its ubiquity and nonmonotonic behavior, triggering effects at exposure levels considered “safe”, make it especially relevant when both animal and human populations are constantly and inadvertently exposed to this compound. Its effects at low exposure levels make it essential to establish safe exposure levels, and research into the effects of BPA must continue and be focused from a “One Health” perspective to take into account all the factors that could intervene in the development of a disease in any exposed organism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)
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Other

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8 pages, 599 KiB  
Brief Report
In Vitro Lethality of Fenbendazole to the Eyeworm Oxyspirura petrowi
by Jeremiah Leach, Hannah N. Suber, Emilynn Banks, Ashley Kaskocsak, Henry Valencia, Benjamin Hames, Regan Rivera, Sarah Colette and Ronald J. Kendall
Animals 2024, 14(11), 1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111659 - 1 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1119
Abstract
Oxyspirura petrowi is a heteroxenous nematode that infects the harderian gland and other ocular tissues in birds. High-intensity infections often cause damage to the infected tissues. Due to the nature of the infection sites, treatment of O. petrowi in these hosts can be [...] Read more.
Oxyspirura petrowi is a heteroxenous nematode that infects the harderian gland and other ocular tissues in birds. High-intensity infections often cause damage to the infected tissues. Due to the nature of the infection sites, treatment of O. petrowi in these hosts can be difficult. Fenbendazole (FBZ) is a common anthelmintic used to treat birds for helminth infections; however, little information exists as to the efficacy of the drug on O. petrowi infections. The present study aims to estimate lethal concentrations of FBZ to O. petrowi. Adult O. petrowi were maintained in vitro and exposed to doses of 5, 50, 100, and 200 µM concentrations of FBZ and included both negative and vehicle controls. Exposure lasted 7.5 days and lethality was determined for each treatment. Negative and vehicle controls did not differ, and both had 75% survival at the end of the treatment period. The percentage survivorship in ascending order of concentration, corrected for the controls, was 66.67%, 44.44%, 33.33%, and 0%. LC10, LC50, and LC90 estimates were 7.5 ± 0.26, 49.1 ± 1.69, and 163.2 ± 5.63 µM, respectively. In the context of known pharmacokinetics of FBZ in birds, a single oral dose of FBZ can achieve exposure levels that are lethal to O. petrowi, but the drug does not stay in the system long enough. Thus, treatment of O. petrowi infections will require multiple oral doses over several days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives in Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology)
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