Flectron Fly Ear Tags for Cattle 935 mg

Composition

Each tag contains:

Active substances:

Cypermethrin 100% as cypermethrin technical (cis:trans 50:50) 935.0 mg

Excipients:

Qualitative composition of excipients and other constituents

Epoxidized soyabean oil (E2307)

Dioctyl adipate

Polyvinylchloride

Heptagonal, amber, translucent tag.

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Pharmacological properties

4.1 ATCvet code: QP53AC08

The formulation for the veterinary medicinal product is devised so that the active ingredient, cypermethrin, is slowly released onto the surface of the tag. As the exposed chemical is removed, more cypermethrin is released onto the surface. Thus, the tag acts as a constant reservoir of insecticide throughout the season.

The active ingredient is lipophilic and is thus strongly bound to the sebum or natural oil present in the animal's coat and on the surface of the skin. Natural body movements - grooming and rubbing against other cattle - transfer the insecticide onto the hairs of the coat. This disperses the active ingredient all over the animal, effectively giving the whole-body protection against flies within 24 to 48 hours. The binding of the cypermethrin onto the sebum ensures a high degree of rain fastness.

Cypermethrin acts principally as a contact insecticide. Flies therefore have to come into contact with the chemical to be killed so it is normal to see a few on a tagged animal.

Flies landing on a tagged animal will pick up the insecticide on their feet or bodies. They then leave quickly as the chemical acts as a repellent. The flies normally leave before they have had time to bite, feed or otherwise annoy the animal. As the chemical on the flies is absorbed, they become hyperactive and die within a few minutes.

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Target species

Cattle.

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Indications

For the control of flies on cattle.

Nuisance flies: Face fly (Musca autumnalis), Head fly (Hydrotea irritans).

Biting flies: Horn fly (Haematobia irritans syn Lyperosia irritans), Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), Cattle biting fly (Haematobia stimulans syn Haematobosca stimulans).

While the five fly species listed above constitute the majority found on cattle in Western Europe, there are many other species both within and outside Europe against which tags may provide some protection. These include:

Warble (gad) fly (Hypoderma sp), Horse fly (Tabanus bovinus), Clegs (Haematopota pluvialis),

Screw-worm (Callitroga sp), Blow fly (Lucilia sp).

Other species reported as forming a minor component of the fly population on cattle monitored during trials of tags include:

Sweat fly (Morellia simplex), Black fly (Simulium reptans), Lesser house fly (Fannia coniculars).

The veterinary medicinal product provides protection throughout the fly season. For maximum benefit they should therefore be applied at the beginning of the season before fly populations build up. For complete control the entire herd should be tagged.

One tag per animal is usually sufficient to achieve acceptable levels of fly control. However, where head and face fly attack is very severe, two tags may be necessary, one on each ear.

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Dosage

The veterinary medicinal product should be attached to the ear as follows: Load stud and tag into the applicator. Always dip the loaded applicator into disinfectant solution before each application. Any skin compatible disinfectant may be used. This assists application, helps prevent spread of infection, aids hygiene and promotes healing. Restrain the animal, preferably in a crush, so that the ear can be reached easily. Position the point of the fixing stud in a central position between the blood vessels in an area of firm tissue halfway between the head and the tip of the ear, with the fly tag on the back of the ear. A position between the second and third rib of the ear is ideal. Thick sections of the ear should be avoided.

Depress the applicator until a click is heard. This means the tag and the fixing are firmly secured. After fixing, pull the stud and tag firmly apart as far as possible. A correctly fixed tag will hold firm. Do not push the tag and stud back together, as this can lead to compression of the ear tissue. The two should swing freely in the ear.

If a tag is lost during the season, it is usually because of poor application. The ear tags will remain flexible and active for a season.

Tags should be removed at the end of each fly season and before cattle go for slaughter. The neck of the stud behind the ear can be cut with round-nosed scissors. The new tag can be applied through the hole left by the previous one the following season.

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Contraindications

None.

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Adverse reactions

Cattle:

Very rare (<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports): Allergic skin reaction, Skin irritation

Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.

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Warnings

Special precautions for safe use in the target species:

The best position for the tag is between the second and third rib of the ear. The veterinary medicinal product is not recommended for fly control on cattle kept in feed lots or in animal housing.

For external use only.

Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals:

Rubber gloves should be worn when handling the veterinary medicinal product. Do not smoke, eat or drink while handling the product. Do not burn the product as a harmful vapour can be produced. Wash hands and exposed skin before meals and after work. Keep away from food and drink including animal feeding stuffs.

Special precautions for the protection of the environment:

Not applicable.

3.11 Special restrictions for use and special conditions for use, including restrictions on the use of antimicrobial and antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products in order to limit the risk of development of resistance

Not applicable.

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Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay

Pregnancy and lactation:

Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.

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Interactions

None known.

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Overdose

Not applicable.

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Special warnings

None.

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Withdrawal period

Meat: Zero days.

Milk: Zero hours.

Tags should be removed before cattle leave the farm for slaughter.

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Incompatibilities

None known.

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Immediate packaging

Primary container consists of a low-density polyethylene bag containing 10 ear tags and fastening studs, which are contained in a cardboard box. Each cardboard box contains two LDPE bags.

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Storage

Do not store above 25 ºC.

Store in the original container.

Keep the container tightly closed.

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Shelf life

Shelf life of the veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 4 years.

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Disposal of unused product

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.

The veterinary medicinal product should not enter water courses as Cypermethrin may be dangerous for fish and other aquatic organisms.

Use take-back schemes for the disposal of any unused veterinary medicinal product or waste materials derived thereof in accordance with local requirements and with any national collection systems applicable to the veterinary medicinal product concerned.

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Additional information

Vm 42058/5164

8 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION

26 May 1993

9 DATE OF THE LAST REVISION OF THE SUMMARY OF THE PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

September 2025

10 CLASSIFICATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Veterinary medicinal product subject to prescription.

Find more product information by searching for the ‘Product Information Database’ on www.gov.uk.

Approved 24 October 2025

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Registration holder

Zoetis UK Limited

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