Efficacy of a single injection of marbofloxacin in the treatment of bovine respiratory disease

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration with in vitro and ex vivo testing indicates that a single injection of marbofloxacin is an effective treatment for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The efficacy and field safety of marbofloxacin administered as a single-dose treatment to mixed breed cattle with BRD were evaluated in a masked, randomised, European, multicentre study conducted on commercial farms during 26 separate outbreaks. A total of 231 cattle were enrolled with acute, untreated respiratory disease and treated on day 0 with either marbofloxacin (10 mg/kg, intramuscular administration: n=118) or florfenicol (40 mg/kg, subcutaneous administration; n=113). Cattle were assessed on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 21 following treatment. Success rates (animal requiring no further therapy) were compared using a non-inferiority approach. Both treatments were well tolerated, a high success rate was observed on day 7, and marbofloxacin was non-inferior (P<0.00001) to florfenicol (day 7 success rate, marbofloxacin vs. florfenicol: 85% vs. 89%). Secondary parameters (day 7 clinical response, time to cure, day 21 success and overall clinical score) confirmed there was no difference between treatments (P >= 0.15). In conclusion, a single injection of marbofloxacin is safe and efficacious for the treatment of BRD, confirming the PK/PD prediction.