Merck Animal Health – known as MSD Animal Health outside of the U.S. and Canada – the global animal health business of Merck & Co. Inc., announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of SAFE-GUARD AQUASOL (fenbendazole oral suspension) for use in backyard chicken flocks, making it the only FDA-approved chicken dewormer designed for home use.

SAFE-GUARD AQUASOL is indicated for the treatment and control of adult Ascaridia galli in broiler chickens and replacement chickens and for the treatment and control of adult Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarium in breeding chickens and laying hens. It is administered orally to chickens by adding a daily dose to their drinking water for five consecutive days.

“Chicken flocks of any size can be affected by intestinal parasites, leading to animal welfare concerns and decreased production efficiency. To help backyard chicken owners tackle these challenges, Merck Animal Health is proud to introduce a new addition to our trusted SAFE-GUARD family – a highly effective dewormer specifically designed for backyard flocks,” said Dr. Blayne Mozisek, livestock insights and outcomes for Merck Animal Health. “SAFE-GUARD AQUASOL effectively treats common intestinal parasites in the average-sized backyard flock, with the added benefit of no meat or egg withdrawal.”

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SAFE-GUARD AQUASOL for home use will be available in a 3 mL presentation at fleet and dealer retail outlets beginning in January 2025. More information will be available soon at DewormMyChickens.com.

Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments a wide range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services, as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. The company is present in more than 50 countries, and its products are available in some 150 markets.