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Title:
AQUEOUS INSECTICIDAL/PARASITICIDE FORMULATION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2006/007630
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an aqueous insecticide/parasiticide composition containing an insect growth regulator such as triflumuron for veterinary use. The composition may be in the form of an aqueous suspension, a microemulsion or macroemulsion and includes one or more emollients. One or more synthetic pyrethroids may optionally be included.

Inventors:
WHITTEM EDWARD LIONEL BRUCE (AU)
LAU KAI KIN (AU)
HOLDSWORTH MARCUS (AU)
WILSON MICHAEL THOMAS (AU)
LOWDEN CHARLES STEWART (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2005/000974
Publication Date:
January 26, 2006
Filing Date:
July 04, 2005
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
JUROX PTY LTD (AU)
WHITTEM EDWARD LIONEL BRUCE (AU)
LAU KAI KIN (AU)
HOLDSWORTH MARCUS (AU)
WILSON MICHAEL THOMAS (AU)
LOWDEN CHARLES STEWART (AU)
International Classes:
A01N25/04; A61K47/14; B01F17/34; (IPC1-7): A01N25/04; A61K47/14; B01F17/34
Domestic Patent References:
WO1994016732A11994-08-04
WO2002024182A12002-03-28
Foreign References:
US5612047A1997-03-18
US6492419B12002-12-10
EP1237408A22002-09-11
US6413542B12002-07-02
US5756474A1998-05-26
US6653288B12003-11-25
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
F B RICE & CO (44 Market Street Sydney, NSW 2000, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims:
1. A stable insecticide/parasiticide composition comprising: 0.01 5% w/v of one or more insect growth regulators; 0.01 30% w/v of one or more emollients; 20 90% w/v of an aqueous carrier; 0 60% w/v of one or more surfactants; 0 80% w/v of one or more organic solvents; 0 5% w/v of one or more stabilisers; and 0 50% w/v of one or more wetting agents/dispersants.
2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the one or more insect growth regulator(s) (IGR) is/are selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fluazuron and methoprene.
3. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the IGR(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.15 %w/v.
4. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more emollient(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of cetyl acetate; cetyl palmitate; lanoline acetate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; steric acid isopropyl ester; long chain fatty alcohols; lanolin oil; triglycerides; glycol isosterate; fatty acid esters; isooctyl stearate; lauric acid hexyl ester; butyl adipate; octyl palmitate; and myristyl lactate.
5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the emollient(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.0510%w/v.
6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aqueous carrier comprises water and at least one electrolyte.
7. A composition according to claim 6 wherein the aqueous carrier is a 0.015% w/w/ solution of electrolyte in water.
8. A composition according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the electrolyte is sodium chloride.
9. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more surfactant(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of C8C10 alkylphenol ethoxylates, such as ethoxylated nonylphenol; C9C17 alcohol ethoxylates, C8C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates; castor oil ethoxylates; lanolin alcohol ethoxylates; sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates; sorbitan fatty acid esters; alkyl aryl sulphonates and mixtures thereof.
10. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more organic solvent(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols; glycols; aliphatic and/or aromatic aldehydes; ketones; aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbons; polyols; glycol ethers; glycol ether acetate; Cl C8 alkyl pyrrolidones; aliphatic and/or aromatic esters.
11. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more stabiliser(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, heteropolysaccharide, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, silicone dioxide, hydrophobic silicone dioxide, glyceryl tri12hydroxystearate, montmorillonite clay, sodium bentonite clay with high montmorillonite content and magnesium aluminium silicate.
12. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more wetting agent(s) and/or dispersant(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of Tersperse 4894, Tersperse 2500, Terwet 1225, Teric 13A7, Teric NlO, Tersperse 2635, Teric 200, Teric 203 and Termul 1285.
13. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more synthetic pyrethroids.
14. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the one or more synthetic pyrethroid(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.015% w/v.
15. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition is in the form of an aqueous suspension.
16. A composition according to claim 16 wherein the one or more surfactant(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.01 to 5%w/v. 17. A composition according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the one or more stabiliser(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.
17. 015%w/v.
18. A composition according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the one or more wetting agent(s)/dispersant(s) is/are included in an amount of 0.015%w/v.
19. A composition according to any one of claims 15 to 18 further comprising a humectant.
20. A composition according to claim 19 wherein the humectant is propylene glycol.
21. A composition according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 30%w/v.
22. A parasiticide aqueous suspension composition comprising: 0.1 5% w/v of an IGR selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fluazuron and methoprene; 0.1 — 5% w/v of an SP selected from the group consisting of alphacypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, bifenthrin and cyfluthrin; 0.05 10% w/v of one or more emollients selected from the group consisting of cetyl acetate; cetyl palmitate; lanoline acetate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; steric acid isopropyl ester; long chain fatty alcohols; lanolin oil; triglycerides; glycol isosterate; fatty acid esters; isooctyl stearate; lauric acid hexyl ester; butyl adipate; octyl palmitate; and myristyl lactate; 1 5% w/v one or more stabilisers selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, heteropolysaccharide, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, silicone dioxide, hydrophobic silicone dioxide, glyceryl tri12hydroxystearate, montmorillonite clay, sodium bentonite clay with high montmorillonite content, magnesium aluminium silicate; 0.1 5% w/v one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of C8 ClO alkylphenol ethoxylates, C9C17 alcohol ethoxylates, C8C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates, castor oil ethoxylates, lanolin alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters and mixtures thereof; and 30 70% w/v of an aqueous carrier. 23.
23. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the composition is in the form of a microemulsion.
24. A composition according to claim 23 wherein the one or more surfactant(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.160%w/v.
25. A composition according to claim 23 or 24 wherein the one or more organic solvent(s) is/are present in a range of from 0.0180%w/v.
26. A parasiticide microemulsion composition comprising: 0.1 5% w/v of an IGR selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fluazuron and methoprene; 0.1 — 5% w/v of an SP selected from the group consisting of alphacypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, bifenthrin and cyfluthrin; 10 40% w/v of one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of alcohols, alkyl aldehydes, aromatic aldehydes, polyols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetate, C1C8 alkyl pyrrolidones, benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate and mixtures thereof; 0.05 10% w/v of one or more emollients selected from the group consisting of cetyl acetate; cetyl palmitate; lanoline acetate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; steric acid isopropyl ester; long chain fatty alcohols; lanolin oil; triglycerides; glycol isosterate; fatty acid esters; isooctyl stearate; lauric acid hexyl ester; butyl adipate; octyl palmitate; and myristyl lactate; 10 20% w/v one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of C8 ClO alkylphenol ethoxylates, C9C17 alcohol ethoxylates, C8C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates, castor oil ethoxylates, lanolin alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters and mixtures thereof; and 40 70% w/v of an aqueous carrier.
27. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the composition is in the form of a macroemulsion.
28. A composition according to claim 27 wherein the one or more surfactant(s) is/are present in an amount of 0. l50%w/v. 29. A composition according to claim 27 or 28 wherein the one or more stabiliser(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.
29. 015%w/v.
30. A composition according to any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the one or more organic solvent(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.0180%w/v.
31. A parasiticide macroermilsion composition comprising: 0.1 5% w/v of an IGR selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fluazuron and methoprene; 0.1 5% w/v of an SP selected from the group consisting of alphacypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, bifenthrin and cyfluthrin; 10 40% w/v of one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of alcohols, alkyl aldehydes, aromatic aldehydes, polyols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetate, C1C8 alkyl pyrrolidones, benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate and mixtures thereof; 0.05 10% w/v of one or more emollients selected from the group consisting of cetyl acetate; cetyl palmitate; lanoline acetate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; steric acid isopropyl ester; long chain fatty alcohols; lanolin oil; triglycerides; glycol isosterate; fatty acid esters; isooctyl stearate; lauric acid hexyl ester; butyl adipate; octyl palmitate; and myristyl lactate; 1 — 3% w/v one or more stabilisers selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, heteropolysaccharide, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, silicone dioxide, hydrophobic silicone dioxide, glyceryl tri12hydroxystearate, montmorillonite clay, sodium bentonite clay with high montmorillonite content, magnesium aluminium silicate; 0.01 10% w/v one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of C8C10 alkylphenol ethoxylates, C9C17 alcohol ethoxylates, C8C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates, castor oil ethoxylates, lanolin alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters and mixtures thereof; and 40 70% w/v of an aqueous carrier.
32. A method of controlling insects/parasites in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of the insecticide/parasiticide composition according to any one of claims 1 to 31. 33.
33. Use of the insecticide/parasiticide composition according to any one of claims 1 to 31 in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of insects/parasites in an animal.
34. A method of preparing the insecticide/parasiticide composition according to any one of claims 24 to 31 , the method comprising the steps of: a) dissolving the IGR(s) and any synthetic pyrethroid(s) in one or more organic solvent(s) to form an oil phase solution; b) adding the aqueous carrier to the oil phase; wherein (i) the emollient(s) and any surfactant(s) are included in either the aqueous carrier or oil phase or both; and (ii) incremental proportions of (b) are added to (a) until the desired macroemulsion/microemulsion has formed; and where a macroemulsion is formed, followed by (c) adding a stabiliser to the macroemulsion.
35. A method according to claim 34 wherein, following step c), the macroemulsion is homogenised.
36. A stable insecticide/parasiticide composition substantially as any one embodiment herein described with reference to the Examples.
Description:
Aqueous insecticidal/parasiticide formulation

Technical Field This invention relates to an insecticide/parasiticide composition, especially an aqueous insecticide/parasiticide composition for veterinary use. Background of the Invention Insecticide and parasiticide compositions are widely used in the veterinary field to deliver active substances in liquid form to animals, particularly farm animals. In the past there have been many methods of application of insecticide/parasiticide formulations; these include dipping the entire body of the animal in a bath, spraying the animal's external surface, or applying a pour-on formulation of a parasiticide/insecticide composition. Internal applications have been used in the form of a drench where the active agent is delivered orally. Pour-on applications are generally applied externally to the backline of the animal and have been desired for their ease of application. Pour-on, spray-on, dip and drench applications may be based on solvent and/or aqueous solutions. Solvent based insecticide/parasiticide formulations may pose handling problems due to toxicity and flammability of the solvent and lead to high tissue residue levels of the insecticide/parasiticide in animals treated with such formulations. When water miscible solvents are used in insecticide/parasiticide formulations, the active ingredient of the insecticide/parasiticide compositions, such as insect growth regulators (IGRs), are known to precipitate rapidly when brought into contact with water. This is a problem especially if the formulation is applied to a wet animal or if an animal is exposed to rain before the formulation has dried on the animal. Premature precipitation reduces the spread of the active around the animal, thereby reducing its efficacy. This increases the localized concentration of the active and presents an environmental issue, for example, when scouring wool. Further, once the active has precipitated, it will stick to the wool fibre and grow out away from the skin of the animal thus reducing the efficacy of the formulation. Aqueous pour-on formulations containing water insoluble IGRs are generally considered to be ineffective because of problems with spreading and physical stability. Because of the instability of the IGR in water, it is necessary to suspend the active in the formulation so that it does not settle on standing. If settling occurs, it is difficult to redisperse the active in the formulation to achieve an accurate dose rate for application to the animal. Such aqueous formulations may be described as suspensions. Suspension formulations require a suspending agent to stop the active settling out. An additional problem that may be encountered with aqueous formulations results from the inability of such formulations to spread. It is generally believed that a non-aqueous solvent is required to both dissolve the water insoluble IGR and to help disperse the active so that it is effective in controlling parasites on all parts of the animal's body. However, upon application of standard aqueous formulations to the animal, the suspended active remains at the site of application so as to exacerbate the spreading problem. Further, the majority of active may grow out with the hair/wool staple of the animal, effectively being carried away from the skin surface. Parasiticide/insecticide formulations, may also exist in the form of macroemulsions (also referred to as "emulsions") and microemulsions. Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable dispersions of two immiscible liquids and an emulsifier. Microemulsions are typically clear solutions, as the droplet diameter is approximately 100 nanometres or less. In contrast, macroemulsions are thermodynamically unstable dispersions of two immiscible liquids and an emulsifier. The suspended droplets will eventually agglomerate and the dispersed phase will phase separate. Macroemulsion droplet sizes are much larger, typically one micron or more, resulting in a cloudy or milky dispersion. One serious problem encountered with macroemulsions is the settling out of the emulsified material which then results in turbidity giving rise to reduced activity. The settling out of macroemulsions is due largely to the thermodynamic instability of the film between adjacent droplets. The film stability is effected by the variables of temperature, component composition, types of component used; if any of these variables are not in the desired ranges then the film will become unstable and the macroemulsion will settle out. The insect growth regulator (IGR) used in the above prior art formulations is identified as a benzylurea insecticide. Unlike other insecticides which attack the insects nervous system, most insect growth regulators (IGRs) inhibit the synthesis of chitin for insect larva which forms part of the structure of their exoskeleton. Typical effects can range from eggs which do not hatch, through to rupture of malformed cuticles and starvation. IGRs are used externally and are applied to the fleece of sheep, along the backline, to prevent the development of immature lice. Parasiticide compositions containing IGRs are routinely applied to animals whose hide/fur/wool is removed for human use. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the levels of IGR residing in the hide/fur/wool intended for human contact is at an acceptable level. Additionally, it is particularly desirable that the IGR loading in the waste water from textile scouring plants is also at an acceptable level. Currently the A.P.V.M.A. (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) has been asked by the Australian Wool Residue Management Council to conduct a review of sheep ectoparasiticides, with particular priority given to backline products. The concern arises from both the Australian government and wool industry with regards to public health, occupational safety, environmental and trade implications of pesticide residues on Australian wool. These concerns have driven the wool industry to make efforts to reduce the levels of pesticide residues on Australian raw wool. The animals to which the parasiticide compositions containing IGR's are routinely applied, may also be reared for human consumption. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the amount of IGR residing in the consumable portions of the animal is at an acceptable level prior to consumption. The concentration of IGR in human-food products derived from the animal is required to be below a Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) as set by the relevant governing authority in each country. As far as the inventors are aware, some of the pour-on parasiticides compositions that are currently on the market are only able to meet the MRL for tissues after a substantial withholding period has been observed and some are excluded from ever being used in milk producing animals. Having regard to this requirement, it would therefore be desirable to provide a parasiticide composition in which the amount of IGR that can be found in human-food products from the animal meets the MRL in a period of time that is less than the withholding period specified for currently available parasiticide compositions. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of this application. Summary of Invention In work leading up to the present invention, the inventors have identified a need for a parasiticide composition that is dispersed over the animals skin to effectively control parasites on an animal and that results in a residual loading of the insecticide/parasiticide in the hide/fur/wool that is acceptable for human contact and textile scouring effluent. The present inventors have now found a means to provide an improved parasiticide composition based on an insect growth regulator (IGR) which is in low concentration in the formulation and which is effective against lice once applied to an animal and has a low level of IGR residing in the hide/fur/wool after application of the parasiticide composition to the animal. Surprisingly, this has been achieved by including into the parasiticide composition specific amounts of one or more emollients together with an aqueous carrier and depending on whether the formulation is a microemulsion, macroemulsion or aqueous suspension, one or more surfactants, one or more stabilisers and/or one or more wetting agents/dispersants. In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a stable insecticide/parasiticide composition comprising: 0.01 - 5% w/v of one or more insect growth regulators; 0.01 - 30% w/v of one or more emollients; 20 - 90% w/v of an aqueous carrier; 0 - 60% w/v of one or more surfactants; 0 - 80% w/v of one or more organic solvents; 0 - 5% w/v of one or more stabilisers; and 0 - 50% w/v of one or more wetting agents/dispersants. Preferably, the stable insecticide/parasiticide composition according to the present invention is in the form of a microemulsion, macroemulsion or aqueous suspension. Preferably, the stable insecticide/parasiticide composition includes one or more synthetic pyrethroids, more preferably about 0.01-5% w/v of one or more synthetic pyrethroids. In a first embodiment according to the first aspect, the present invention is directed to a stable insecticide/parasiticide microemulsion composition comprising: 0.01 - 5% w/v of one or more insect growth regulators; 0.01 - 30% w/v of one or more emollients; 20 - 90% w/v of an aqueous carrier; 0.01 - 80% w/v of one or more organic solvents; 0.1 - 60% w/v of one or more surfactants; and optionally 0.01 - 5% w/v of one or more synthetic pyrethroids. In a second embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention is directed to a stable insecticide/parasiticide macroemulsion composition comprising: 0.01 - 5% w/v of one or more insect growth regulators; 0.01 - 30% w/v of one or more emollients; 20 - 90% w/v of an aqueous carrier; 0.01 - 80% w/v of one or more organic solvents; 0.01 - 50% w/v of one or more surfactants; 0.01 - 5% w/v of one or more stabilisers; and optionally 0.01 - 5.0% w/v of one or more synthetic pyrethroids. In a third embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention is directed to a stable insecticide/parasiticide aqueous suspension composition comprising: 0.01 - 5% w/v of one or more insect growth regulators; 0.01 - 30% w/v of one or more emollients; 20 - 90% w/v of an aqueous carrier; 0.01 - 5% w/v of one or more stabilisers; 0.01 - 5% w/v of one or more surfactants/wetting agents/dispersants; optionally 0.01 - 5.0% w/v of one or more synthetic pyrethroids; and optionally 0.01 - 30% w/v of one or more humectants. In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of treating insects/parasites in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of the insecticide/parasiticide composition according to the first aspect of the invention. In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to the use of the insecticide/parasiticide composition according to the first aspect of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of insects/parasites in an animal. In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of preparing the insecticide/parasiticide composition according to the first and second embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) dissolving the IGR and optionally the synthetic pyrethroid (SP) in one or more organic solvents to form an oil phase solution; b) adding the aqueous carrier to the oil phase; wherein (i) the emollient and surfactant are included in either the aqueous carrier or oil phase or both; and (ii) incremental proportions of (b) are added to (a) until the desired macroemulsion/microemulsion has formed; and where a macroemulsion is formed, followed by (c) adding a stabiliser to the macroemulsion. Following step c), the macroemulsion is preferably homogenised to allow the stabiliser to be evenly distributed throughout the macroemulsion. It will be understood that a "microemulsion" is a thermodynamically stable dispersion of two immiscible liquids (such as oil and water) and an emulsifier (such as a surfactant). The dispersed phase consists mostly of small droplets with diameters less than about 100 nanometres, that is thermodynamically stable, with the total free energy at a minimum. It will be understood that a "macroemulsion" (also referred to as an "emulsion") is a thermodynamically unstable dispersion of two immiscible liquids and an emulsifier. Macroemulsion droplet sizes are much larger, typically one micron or more, resulting in a cloudy or milky dispersion. It will also be understood that for macroemulsions we are concerned with two or multiphase regions in the phase diagrams and for microemulsions one phase region. Microemulsions exhibit higher efficacy and rain-fastness than macroemulsions and aqueous suspensions. Microemulsions also differ from macroemulsions in the preparation of the formulation; macroemulsions require a stabiliser to aid reduction of coalescence of the phases. Throughout the specification it will be understood that the term "stable parasiticide microemulsion" means that the solubilised IGR will not "settle out" for the shelf life of the formulation due to the thermodynamically stable film between adjacent droplets in the water and oil matrix of the microemulsion. Stability for a macroemulsion will be understood to mean that the two phases will not readily undergo coalescence, achieved by the addition of a stabilising agents. Stabilisers are also used in suspensions to help prevent sedimentation of the particles; this is achieved by forming a pseudo cross-linkage structure. The insect growth regulator (IGR) is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fluazuron and methoprene. More preferably, the IGR is triflumuron. The IGR is included in the composition in a concentration of about 0.01-5% w/v. Preferably the concentration used is in the range of about 0.1 -5%w/v. One or more synthetic pyrethroids (SP) may be used in the composition of the present invention. The synthetic pyrethroid (SP) is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of alphacypeπnethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, bifenthrin and cyfluthrin. The SP may be included in the composition in a concentration of about 0.01-5.0% w/v, more preferably about 0.1-5%w/v. From preliminary results, the present inventors believe that the inclusion of one or more SPs in the composition of the present invention also results in a low level of SP residing in the hide/wool after application of the parasiticide composition to the animal. These preliminary studies also indicate that there is a synergistic effect between the IGR and the SP in the insecticidal/parasiticidal composition of the present invention. One or more organic solvents are included in the composition of the invention in an amount of about 0 - 80% w/v. Preferably, one or more organic solvents are selected from the group consisting of alcohols such as aliphatic and aromatic alcohols; glycols; aliphatic and/or aromatic aldehydes; ketones; aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbons; polyols; glycol ethers; glycol ether acetate; Cl - C8 alkyl pyrrolidones; aliphatic and/or aromatic esters. Examples of aliphatic alcohols include but are not limited to methanol, butanol and isopropyl alcohol. Examples of aromatic alcohols include but are not limited to benzyl alcohol. Examples of glycols include but are not limited to polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols. Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbons include but are not limited to octane. Examples of aromatic hydrocarbons include but are not limited to toluene, xylene and blends such as Solvesso 150 and Solvesso 200. Examples of ketones include but are not limited to acetone, 3-buten-2-one, butanone and cyclohexanone. Examples of glycol ethers include but are not limited to dipropyleneglycol monomethyl ether, butyl icinol and butyl di-icinol. Examples of Ci- C8 alkyl pyrrolidones include but are not limited to N-methyl pyrrolidone, l-octyl-2- pyrrolidinone and lauryl pyrrolidone. Examples of aromatic esters include but are not limited to benzyl benzoate. Examples of aliphatic esters include but are not limited to methyl acetate, ethyl acetate. Preferably, the one or more organic solvents is/are water miscible. The preferred solvent range for a microemulsion or macroemulsion composition is in the range of about 0.01 - 80% w/v, more preferably about 5 - 60% w/v even more preferably about 10-40% w/v. In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention in which only one organic solvent is used, the solvent is preferably benzyl alcohol, Solvesso 150 or Solvesso 200. In embodiments of the first aspect in which both a primary and a secondary organic solvent are used, the primary solvent is preferably selected from N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dipropyleneglycol monomethyl ether (DPM), Solvesso 150 and Solvesso 200; and the secondary solvent is preferably selected from benzyl benzoate, cyclohexanone and ethyl acetate. A variety of emollients may be used in the parasiticide composition of the present application. These include but are not limited to one or more of the following: cetyl acetate; cetyl palmitate; lanoline acetate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; steric acid isopropyl ester; long chain fatty alcohols such as Pelemol CL, Wickenol 507, Cutina CP, Ritacetyl, Isopropyl myristate, Isopropyl palmitate, Isopropyl stearate and Eutanol G; lanolin oil; triglycerides, such as Lantrol HP, Ritalan, Myritol 32, Myritol 318; glycol isosterate; fatty acid esters, such as Euperlan PK; isooctyl stearate; lauric acid hexyl ester; butyl adipate; octyl palmitate; myristyl lactate such as Cetiol 868, Cetiol A, Cetiol B, Cegesoft C and Cetiol MM; sterol esters such as Super Hartolan 6105; and phytosterols such as Avocardin. Typically, these emollients will be used in concentrations of about 0.01 - 30 %w/v, preferably, about 0.05 - 10%w/v for macroemulsions, microemulsions and aqueous suspensions. The aqueous microemulsion and macroemulsion parasiticide compositions of the present invention include one or more surfactants. The aqueous suspension parasiticide compositions may include one or more surfactants. The surfactants may be selected from non-ionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactants. Preferably, one or more non-ionic and/or one or more anionic surfactants are used. Non-ionic surfactants may be selected from the group consisting of C8-C10 alkylphenol ethoxylates, such as ethoxylated nonylphenol; C9-C17 alcohol ethoxylates, C8-C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates; castor oil ethoxylates; lanolin alcohol ethoxylates; sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates; sorbitan fatty acid esters; alkyl aryl sulphonates and mixtures thereof. The C8-C10 alkylphenol ethoxylates preferably contain from 2 to 100 moles of ethylene oxide and may be selected from but not limited to the commercially available Teric N Series products, such as those identified as Teric N9, Teric N20 and Teric NlOO. The C9-C17 alcohol ethoxylates preferably contain from 2 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide and may be selected from but not limited to the commercially available products identified as Teric 9A2 and Teric 16Al 6. The C8-C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates preferably contain from 5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide and may be selected from but not limited to the commercially available products identified as Teric 13Ml 5 and Teric 18M20. The castor oil ethoxylates preferably contain from 5 to 60 moles of ethylene oxide and may be selected from but not limited to the commercially available products identified as Cremophor EL, Acconon CA-5 and Teric 380. The lanolin alcohol ethoxylates preferably contain from 5 to 40 moles of ethylene oxide and may be selected form but not limited to the commercially available products identified as Polycol 5 and Polycol 40. The sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates preferably contain 4 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide and may be selected from but not limited to Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80. The sorbitan fatty acid esters preferably have a chain length of C18-C60 and more preferably have an HLB of 2-9 and may be selected from but not limited to sorbitan monoisostearate, sorbitan monostearate, Hodag SML and Span 25. The surfactant is present in the parasiticide composition in a concentration of about 0 - 60% w/v. The preferred range for surfactants in the microemulsion is about 0.1 - 60% w/v, more preferably about 5- 50% w/v, even more preferably about 10 - 20% w/v. The preferred ranges for surfactants in the macroemulsion is about 0.01 - 50% w/v, more preferably about 0.01 - 40% w/v , even more preferably about 0.01 - 10% w/v. The preferred range for surfactants in aqueous suspensions is about 0.01 - 5% w/v. The composition of the present invention can include an aqueous carrier in an amount of about 20 - 90% w/v. Preferably the aqueous carrier is present in an amount of about 30 - 70% w/v. The aqueous carrier comprises water and optional additives such as electrolytes, but can carry other ingredients such as emollients and surfactants depending on the preparative technique of the aqueous solution. Examples of electrolytes include but are not limited to sodium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate. Preferably, the aqueous carrier is a 0.01 - 5.0% w/w solution of electrolyte in water. More preferably, the aqueous carrier is a 0.5 - 3% w/w NaCl solution. Without being bound by theory, the present inventors believe that the electrolytes help stabilise the interface between the oil and water in the microemulsion The availability of some insect growth regulators, synthetic pyrethroids, emollients, solvents and surfactants is shown in Tables 1-4. One or more stabilisers are included in the macroemulsion composition and aqueous suspension composition of the present invention. The one or more stabilisers may be selected from the group consisting of but not limited to xanthan gum, heteropolysaccharide, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, silicone dioxide (e.g. Aerosil and Cab-O-Sil), hydrophobic silicone dioxide (e.g. Aerosil R 972), Glyceryl tri-12- hydroxystearate, montmorillonite clay, sodium bentonite clay with high montmorillonite content, magnesium aluminium silicate. The one or more stabilisers are included in the macroemulsion composition and aqueous suspension composition of the present invention in a concentration of about 0.01 - 5% w/v, more preferably about 1 - 5% w/v. One or more wetting agents and/or dispersants are used in the aqueous suspension composition of the present invention. Examples include but are not limited to Tersperse 4894, Tersperse 2500, Terwet 1225, Teric 13A7, Teric NlO, Tersperse 2635, Teric 200, Teric 203 and Termul 1285. Preferably, the aqueous suspension composition of the present invention includes wetting agents/dispersants in an amount of about 0.01 - 5%w/v. One or more humectants may be used in the aqueous suspension composition of the present invention. Examples include but are hot limited to propylene glycol. Preferably, the aqueous suspension composition of the present invention includes humectants in an amount of about 0.01 - 30% w/v. The composition according to the invention may further include fragrances. Fragrances may be in the form of essential oils including but not limited to eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, orange oil, garlic oil and clove oil. The composition may further include additives which are commonly used in insecticide/parasiticide compositions including but not limited to dyes and oils such as hydrocarbon oils, mineral oils, vegetable oils and mixtures thereof. According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the compositions of the invention may be produced by dissolving one or more IGRs and optionally SPs in one or more organic solvents to form a non-aqueous solution, followed by addition of an aqueous carrier solution, wherein the emollient and surfactant may be included in either the aqueous or non-aqueous solutions or both prior to combining the solutions. The aqueous solution is added to the non-aqueous solution and mixed until the desired macroemulsion/microemulsion or suspension has formed. The macroemulsion/microemulsion formed may be an oil in water macroemulsion/microemulsion, whereby the oil, being the solubilised IGR, is distributed in an aqueous matrix or a water in oil macroemulsion/microemulsion. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the combination of ingredients used in the formulation will determine whether or not an oil in water or water in oil macroemusion/microemulsion is formed. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the level of mixing required to form a microemulsion or macroemulsion will vary from low shear to high shear depending on the combination of solvents, emollients, aqueous carrier, surfactants and electrolytes. The microemulsions of the present invention may be prepared based on known methodology. In a preferred embodiment, microemulsions are prepared by combining the IGR, surfactants, emollients and solvents to form an oil phase. The aqueous carrier may then be added slowly in small aliquots until the desired composition of oil to water is achieved. In another embodiment, the IGR, SP, solvent and surfactant are dissolved in the one or more organic solvents to form the oil phase and the emollient is combined with an aqueous solution of water and one or more electrolytes. In yet another embodiment, the IGR and solvent are dissolved in the one or more solvents to form the oil phase and the surfactant and emollient are combined with an aqueous solution of water and one or more electrolytes. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that only low shear mixing is required to form a microemulsion. Heating may be used to aid in the dissolution of the active in the solvent. It will be appreciated that if the mixture is above the phase inversion temperature it may appear cloudy, and that upon cooling, the formulation will eventually clear. The macroemulsions of the present invention may be prepared based on known methodology. In a preferred embodiment, macroemulsions are prepared by combining the IGR, surfactants and solvents to form an oil phase. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that high shear mixing is required to form a macroemulsion. Preferably, a portion of the stabiliser is added to the aqueous phase and then this mixture is heated, most preferably between about 50 - 6O0C, and then added slowly to the oil phase using high shear, preferably until mixed. Preferably, the remainder of the stabiliser is added and the mixture is homogenised until uniform. Alternately, if the oil phase is greater than about 25% w/v of the macroemulsion then preferably, the oil phase is added to the aqueous phase at a temperature between about 50 - 600C under high shear. It will be understood that suspensions are concentrated fluid dispersions of finely milled solids in a continuous liquid phase. The aqueous suspensions of the present invention may be prepared based on known methodology. Aqueous suspensions according to the present invention may be prepared by the addition of the IGR to a mixture of aqueous carrier, surfactants, and stabilisers; preferably using high shear followed by homogenisation. In forming the microemulsion, macroemulsion or aqueous suspension composition of the present invention, the IGR and optionally a SP are dissolved in the one or more organic solvents with or without heating. Preferably, the IGR and optionally a SP are dissolved at ambient temperature. The composition according to the present invention may be given externally to the animal as a pour-on, spray-on or dip preparation. The composition is preferably applied externally to the skin of the animal using an applicator device, such as a gun, spray, or the animal is submerged in a bath of the dip formulation. Whilst compositions made according to the invention will find the greatest application in sheep, they are also useful in treating cattle, deer, buffalo, cats, dogs and goats. It will be appreciated that the parasiticide composition may be used to treat a variety of parasites which include but are not limited to lice parasites. In particular, the parasiticide composition is used to treat the lice parasite in the fleece of sheep. A dose of around lmg of IGR per kg of body weight is preferably used. According to a first preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a parasiticide microemulsion composition comprising: 0.1 - 5% w/v of an IGR selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fiuazuron and methoprene; 0.1 - 5% w/v of an SP selected from the group consisting of alphacypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, bifenthrin and cyfiuthrin; 10 - 40% w/v of one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of alcohols, alkyl aldehydes, aromatic aldehydes, polyols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetate, C1-C8 alkyl pyrrolidones, benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate and mixtures thereof; 0.05 - 10% w/v of one or more emollients selected from the group consisting of cetyl acetate; cetyl palmitate; lanoline acetate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; steric acid isopropyl ester; long chain fatty alcohols; lanolin oil; triglycerides; glycol isosterate; fatty acid esters; isooctyl stearate; lauric acid hexyl ester; butyl adipate; octyl palmitate; and myristyl lactate; 10 - 20% w/v one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of C8- ClO alkylphenol ethoxylates, C9-C17 alcohol ethoxylates, C8-C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates, castor oil ethoxylates, lanolin alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters and mixtures thereof; and 40 - 70% w/v of an aqueous carrier. According to a second preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a parasiticide macroemulsion composition comprising: 0.1 - 5% w/v of an IGR selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fiuazuron and methoprene; 0.1 - 5% w/v of an SP selected from the group consisting of alphacypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, bifenthrin and cyfiuthrin; 10 - 40% w/v of one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of alcohols, alkyl aldehydes, aromatic aldehydes, polyols, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetate, C1-C8 alkyl pyrrolidones, benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate and mixtures thereof; 0.05 - 10% w/v of one or more emollients selected from the group consisting of cetyl acetate; cetyl palmitate; lanoline acetate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; steric acid isopropyl ester; long chain fatty alcohols; lanolin oil; triglycerides; glycol isosterate; fatty acid esters; isooctyl stearate; lauric acid hexyl ester; butyl adipate; octyl palmitate; and myristyl lactate; 1 - 3% w/v one or more stabilisers selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, heteropolysaccharide, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, silicone dioxide, hydrophobic silicone dioxide, glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate, montmorillonite clay, sodium bentonite clay with high montmorillonite content, magnesium aluminium silicate; 0.01 - 10% w/v one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of C8-C10 alkylphenol ethoxylates, C9-C17 alcohol ethoxylates, C8-C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates, castor oil ethoxylates, lanolin alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters and mixtures thereof; and 40 - 70% w/v of an aqueous carrier. According to a third preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a parasiticide aqueous suspension composition comprising: 0.1 - 5% w/v of an IGR selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fluazuron and methoprene; 0.1 - 5% w/v of an SP selected from the group consisting of alphacypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, bifenthrin and cyfluthrin; 0.05 - 10% w/v of one or more emollients selected from the group consisting of cetyl acetate; cetyl palmitate; lanoline acetate; myristic acid isopropyl ester; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; steric acid isopropyl ester; long chain fatty alcohols; lanolin oil; triglycerides; glycol isosterate; fatty acid esters; isooctyl stearate; lauric acid hexyl ester; butyl adipate; octyl palmitate; and myristyl lactate; 1 - 5% w/v one or more stabilisers selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, heteropolysaccharide, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, silicone dioxide, hydrophobic silicone dioxide, glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate, montmorillonite clay, sodium bentonite clay with high montmorillonite content, magnesium aluminium silicate; 0.1 - 5% w/v one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of C8- ClO alkylphenol ethoxylates, C9-C17 alcohol ethoxylates, C8-C20 alkyl amine ethoxylates, castor oil ethoxylates, lanolin alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters and mixtures thereof; and 30 - 70% w/v of an aqueous carrier. Throughout the specification, the parasiticide composition according to the first aspect of the invention may be referred to as a "low residue composition", a "composition that has a low residue level", a composition that results in a "low level of IGR and SP residue" or a composition that will "reduce the residue loading". In this context, "low residue", "low level of IGR and SP residue" and "reduce the residue loading" is referring to the level of IGR and optionally SP, residing in the hide, fur or wool of the animal to which the parasiticide composition has been applied. Preferably, "low residue", "low level of IGR and SP residue" and "reduce the residue loading" means that the level of insect growth regulator (IGR) and optionally synthetic pyrethroid (SP) present in the hide, fur or wool of the animal, is in a concentration that is recognised as acceptable for human contact, that is there is no need to treat the hide, fur or wool to reduce the levels of IGR or SP. Additional benefit of this inventions is its reduced loading on the waste water from the effluent of textile scouring plants. For instance, the inventors have surprisingly found that when triflumuron (0.3% w/v) is used as the IGR in a microemulsion composition of the present invention, the level of triflumuron in the wool of a sheep was found to be 10 fold less than the level of insecticide in the commercially available parasiticide compositions Epic Ezy® (Jurox; a solvent based composition containing 25mg/mL triflumuron; 2.5% w/v), and Zapp® (Bayer Australia Ltd; 25 mg/mL triflumuron; 2.5% w/v). The efficacy studies undertaken by the present inventors indicate that a microemulsion containing 3g/L triflumuron (0.3% w/v) is as effective as current commercially available pesticides. The efficacy results for the composition of the present invention were comparable with the commercially available reference formulation, Magnum® (Coopers Animal Health; diflubenzuron 25mg/ml; 2.5% w/v). At the completion of the study the results for the formulation and Magnum® were just above zero. The inventors believe that the parasiticide composition according to the present invention will also result in a low residue level in tissue and food products (e.g. milk, meat) from the animal treated with a parasiticide composition of the present invention containing one or more IGRs selected from the group consisting of triflumuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, fiuazuron and methoprene. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Modes for Carrying out the Invention The present inventors have surprisingly found that the parasiticide composition of the present invention provides a composition that is efficacious against lice at low levels of active, is rain-fast and reduces the residue loading in the wool of a sheep being treated with such a composition. This has been achieved by providing a parasiticide composition comprising one or more solvent combinations, one or more emollients and aqueous carrier and optionally one or more surfactant combinations. The term "rain- fast" will be understood to mean that the IGR does not precipitate out of the formulation when the dosed animal is exposed to rain or the animal is wet upon application. The IGR and SP are fully solubilised in the parasiticide composition of the present application and improves the tolerance of the IGR to water. The inventors believe that this water tolerance reduces the amount of precipitated IGR around the point of application and allows the active to spread further around the body thereby improving its efficacy. This improved efficacy allows the active concentration to be reduced which in turn reduces the amount of residue on the animal. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the emollient plays a vital role in the parasiticide composition of the present invention by keeping the microemulsion/macroemulsion stable, aiding solubilisation of the IGR and optionally SP and helping the IGR or IGR/SP combination to stay close to the skin as well as along the length of the wool staple. More specifically, it is believed that the IGR or IGR/SP combination has more time in solution and thus will not readily precipitate, and in turn will have an extended time frame in which to move around the sheep and therefore be more evenly distributed over the sheep. The improvement in the solubility of the IGR or IGR/SP combination has allowed for a prolonged release of the IGR or IGR/SP combination, thus allowing the amount of active required to be effective to be reduced. The formulation of the present invention is lipophilic and accordingly, the composition of the present invention has a tendency to solubilise well with the wool wax. Without being bound by theory, the present inventors believe that the composition of the present invention, being lipophilic, has a high tolerance to water and accordingly allows the active to move freely throughout an aqueous environment without the active precipitating out. With the active being fully solubilised it will over time move evenly over the length of the wool staple and around the body of the animal. This will allow the active to have a generalized distribution; this differs from current formulations which have a tendency to localize the active around the point of application. In order to better understand the nature of this invention, a number of examples will now be described. (A) Examples of parasiticide compositions:

Example 1

The composition in Example 1 was prepared by dissolving the triflumuron and alphacypermethrin in benzyl alcohol, cetyl acetate, Teric N9, Nansa EVM 70/2E followed by the addition of 2% w/w NaCl solution to form a microemulsion.

Example 2

The composition in Example 2 was prepared by dissolving the triflumuron and alphacypermethrin in N-methylpyrrolidone, benzyl benzoate, Crodamol GTCC, Sulfonic N-95 and Termul 5030 followed by the addition of 2%w/w NaCl solution to form a microemulsion. Example 3

The composition in Example 3 was prepared by dissolving the diflubenzuron and Deltamethrin in DPM, Benzyl benzoate, Crodamol GTCC, Teric CME7 and Alkanate DB 80 followed by the addition of l%w/w NaCl soultion to form a microemulsion.

Example 4

The composition in Example 4 was prepared by dissolving the triflumuron in DPM, benzyl benzoate, Crodamol GTCC, Teric CME7 and Termul 5030 followed by the addition of 1% w/w NaCl solution to form a microemulsion. Example 5

The composition in Example 5 was prepared by dissolving the triflumuron in DPM, benzyl benzoate, Crodamol GTCC, Teric CME7 and Termul 5030 followed by the addition of 1% w/w NaCl solution to form a microemulsion.

(B) Residue level data The formulation of the present invention according to Example 4, containing 0.3%w/v triflumuron, was compared with the commercially available insecticide compositions available under the trade name Epic Ezy® (Jurox; 25g/L) and Zapp® (Bayer Australia Ltd; triflumuron; 25mg/mL). Both commercially available compositions contain 2.5%w/v triflumuron. The level of triflumuron in the wool of a sheep was found to be 10 fold less than the level of insecticidal active in the commercially available parasiticide compositions. The formulation of the present invention according to Example 5, containing 0.1%w/v triflumuron, was compared with the commercially available insecticide compositions containing 2.5%w/v triflumuron. After 140 days, the wool residue concentration for the 2.5%w/v products was 34mg/kg. After 153 days the wool residue concentration for the 0.1 %w/v formulation of Example 5 was 1.9mg/kg. The data indicates that the final residue levels fall below the EU requirements for the IPPC (Integrated pollution Prevention & Control) for greasy wool of 2.0mg/kg for IGRs thus making this product ideal for use with wool producers who wish to sell their product in the "Eco Label" Scheme. Further, the data also indicates that the residue level of SP in the wool is below the EU requirement of 0.5 mg/kg. (C) Efficacy Studies:

Efficacy has been conducted for the microemulsion formulation of Example 4. The results of this study indicated that the efficacy of the microemulsion composition of the present invention containing 0.3% w/v triflumuron was comparable to the reference product, being the commercially available Magnum® (Coopers Animal Health; diflubenzuron; 25 mg/ml; 2.5%w/v) when applied at the normal rate for those indications. It was found by this study that their was an effective reduction of lice by 95% over a 90 day period for both the microemulsion composition of the present invention and Magnum® .

(D) Ingredient Availability:

Table 1 - Insect Growth Regulators (IGR)

Table 3 - Emollients

Table 4 - Surfactants

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.