Merck Extends EXZOLT to Backyard Chicken Flocks

Merck Animal Health has launched EXZOLT (fluralaner oral solution) for the treatment and control of northern fowl mites in backyard chicken flocks, extending the parasiticide beyond its established commercial poultry production market. Announced on 6 July 2026 from Rahway, New Jersey, the launch introduces a new 4 mL presentation available by prescription, and taps into the sustained post-pandemic growth in backyard chicken keeping across the US.

Northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) are a persistent external parasite that feed on birds and can rapidly affect flock comfort, welfare and productivity, with knock-on impact on egg production and the home environment for owners. Although the mites do not live on people or pets, they can bite and cause irritation. EXZOLT is administered in two doses via drinking water seven days apart, removing the need for injections or individual bird handling. The formulation is the same as the version already used in commercial chicken production, with 99.9% efficacy demonstrated in studies and a fast onset that starts killing mites within hours.

Withdrawal periods sit at zero days for eggs and eleven days for meat. Charles Broussard, senior account manager for poultry sales at Merck Animal Health, framed the launch around effective parasite control that is easy to use without disrupting daily bird care. Fluralaner is also the active ingredient in Merck’s flagship Bravecto companion animal franchise, giving EXZOLT molecular pedigree and manufacturing scale within Merck’s wider portfolio. The move positions Merck to capture share of a growing US backyard chicken segment.

The commercial signal is Merck Animal Health extending a high-margin, category-leading molecule into a growing consumer-adjacent segment. Backyard chicken keeping in the US has continued to grow as consumers pursue food security and higher animal welfare standards, while premium parasiticide options remain limited. Expect Zoetis and Elanco to sharpen their own backyard poultry offerings in response through the next 12 months.

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