The ivermectin CRC is a useful aid in controlling breech strike, but provides only moderate reduction in the incidence of body strike.

The efficacy of ivermectin delivered by an intraruminal controlled-release capsule against gastro-intestinal nematodes of sheep was evaluated under controlled conditions. In seven Australian studies involving 170 Merino or Merino x Border Leicester sheep, intraruminal capsules developed for 20-40 kg or 40-80 kg sheep, and delivering 0.8 or 1.6 mg of ivermectin/day respectively for 100 days (minimum dose 20 microg/kg/day), were evaluated. Studies were designed to test the therapeutic efficacy against naturally acquired and induced infections treated at the adult and fourth larval stage, and the prophylactic efficacy against naturally acquired and induced infections with third stage infective larvae. The predominant pathogenic nematodes of sheep were represented. Two studies included known benzimidazole- and levamisole-resistant nematode strains. Sheep were necropsied for total nematode counts 21-8.5 days after treatment. The efficacy of the ivermectin controlled-release capsule was generally >99% against all nematode species tested, including those confirmed to be benzimidazole- and levamisole-resistant. High therapeutic activity was demonstrated against existing adult and fourth larval stage nematode infections at the time of treatment, and high prophylactic efficacy was shown against incoming third stage larvae of all species and strains tested.

ObjectiveTo confirm the efficacy of ivermectin released from a controlled-release capsule administered to young sheep and to breeding ewes under field conditions. DesignRandomised field trials. ProcedureIn each of ten field trials 25 weaned lambs were treated with ivermectin controlled-release capsules and 25 remained untreated. Eight similar field trials were conducted using adult ewes. Efficacy against infections of gastrointestinal nematodes was assessed by faecal egg counts and faecal larval culture. Body weights were recorded and faecal soiling of the breech wool (dags) was assessed. ResultsNematode faecal egg counts in the two groups were not different (P = 0.13) before treatment in the weaner trials or before treatment in the ewe trials (P = 0.49), but thereafter eggs in the untreated sheep persisted, whereas counts in sheep given capsules were negligible (P ≤ 0.01). In the weaner trials, dag scores for the two groups were not different at the start of the trials (P = 0.18) but at the end, untreated sheep had significantly more dags (P = 0.04) than treated sheep. In the ewe trials, dag scores remained low in both groups. Weaners treated with the capsule gained 1.4 kg (95% CL: 0.7, 3.1) more weight over the 16 week trial period compared to untreated weaners (P = 0.01). Both groups of ewes lost weight as a result of parturition but the mean loss by week 16 was greater for untreated (3.7 kg) (95% CL: -5.1,-2.2) than for treated ewes (1.8 kg) (95% CL: -3.3, -0.4). The mean change in ewe body weight for the two groups was however not significant (P = 0.07). Differentiation of nematode larvae recovered from cultures of faeces from untreated animals indicated that the capsules were effective against the common parasites of sheep. ConclusionThe capsule was efficacious against gastrointestinal nematodes judging from faecal egg counts. It has the potential to significantly reduce contamination of pasture with nematode eggs. Treated weaners had less dags for 16 weeks and gained more weight than untreated weaners.

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