The Power of Refugia
Worms are present on every farm; it’s ensuring there are enough worms that are susceptible to drench within your farm system, through the use of refugia, that is a key tool in slowing the rise of drench resistance.
Bionic Plus, distributed in New Zealand by Boehringer Ingelheim, will be available from veterinary clinics this month.
With approval from the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) and New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS), Bionic Plus reenters the market following a comprehensive assessment including updated product specifications and label, both ensure consistent performance and informed use.
The return follows a voluntary withdrawal in 2022 preceding an industry- wide review of controlled release capsule technology by the ACVM. The product is made in Auckland by Argenta (the manufacturer) and distributed in New Zealand by Boehringer Ingelheim. While Bionic Plus was not subject to a formal recall, the product was proactively removed from sale to enable further regulatory reassessment.
Dr Carl Eden, technical services veterinarian - ruminant at Boehringer Ingelheim, says the product’s timely return provides another option that will greatly benefit New Zealand sheep farmers ahead of the lambing season.
“The return of Bionic Plus gives sheep farmers a science-backed, reliable tool to help support at risk ewes during lambing by reducing parasite burdens through the early spring period, and therefore makes a valuable addition to parasite management programs."
The product is designed to be used as part of an integrated parasite management strategy, in consultation with a veterinarian or animal health advisor. This strategy includes good nutrition and effective stock and pasture management practices, alongside the use of the product prior to lambing.
“We want to ensure that farmers are well-informed and are prepared to use Bionic Plus appropriately.
“We know that farmers have been missing this product and are keen to have it back.
“To support the return we are also committed to equipping veterinarians and animal health advisors with the knowledge and tools to support farmers to make confident, best-practice decisions,” says Eden.
The product delivers an average of 100 days of internal parasite protection (range 85–115 days) via a sustained-release capsule. Its dual-active formulation of Abamectin (ML) and Albendazole (BZ) targets key parasite stages, helping reduce pasture contamination and protect lambs through early growth.
“ACVM’s approval confirms that Bionic Plus meets New Zealand’s highest standards for safety and efficacy,” adds Dr Eden.
Boehringer Ingelheim says it has been trusted by New Zealand farmers for over 50 years, with Bionic capsules protecting ewes for over 15 years. The product’s reintroduction comes at a time of increasing focus on resistance management and the need for sustainable solutions.
“There’s no silver bullet when it comes to parasite control, and not all long-acting tools are made equal. Used strategically, Bionic Plus can help reduce reliance on frequent drenching and support long-term parasite management goals,” says Eden.
Farmers are advised to speak with their veterinarian or animal health advisor to determine how the product might support their spring parasite control plan.
