Efficacy of teflubenzuron (Calicide®) for the treatment of sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer 1838), infestations of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

The efficacy of teflubenzuron (Calicide(R)) for the treatment of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) infested with sea lice [Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Kroyer)] was investigated on two commercial salmon farms. Teflubenzuron (Calicide(R)) coated onto commercial feed pellets was administered orally at 10 mg per kg body weight per day for seven consecutive days. Fish were randomly sampled and lice numbers recorded from both treated and control groups on four sampling occasions post-medication. Statistically significant reductions in the number of L. salmonis per fish were recorded. Maximum efficacy was observed toward chalimus and preadult stages of L. salmonis, and was achieved about 7 days post-medication. No apparent effect was observed on adult lice. No adverse drug reactions or palatability problems were associated with the treatments.