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Efficacy of avermectin B 1 given orally against equine intestinal strongyles and Onchocera microfilaria
Author(s) -
MOGG TD,
POLLITT CC,
WILLMORE JP,
THOMPSON H.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1990.tb03026.x
Subject(s) - microfilaria , ivermectin , avermectin , fenbendazole , anthelmintic , zoology , veterinary medicine , biology , medicine , immunology , helminths , anatomy , filariasis
SUMMARY Three groups of horses and ponies (N = 13, 13 and 12) were treated with ivermectin paste (0.2 mg/kg p.o.), avermectin B 1 solution (0.2 mg/kg p.o.), or fenbendazole suspension (10 mg/kg via nasogastric tube). The avermectin B 1 was a 1% solution in a propylene glycol‐glycerol formal base. Faecal strongyle egg counts were performed before, and 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 d, after treatment. Full‐thickness skin biopsies from the neck, pectoral and umbilical regions were examined for Onchocera microfilaria before treatment, and again 14 and 70 d later. Ivermectin therapy produced a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in mean strongyle egg counts 14, 28, 42 and 56 d after treatment. Avermectin B1 therapy resulted in significant (P < 0.01) decreases in mean strongyle egg counts 14, 28 and 42 d after treatment. All horses given ivermectin or avermectin B1 had zero strongyle egg counts 14 and 28 d after treatment. Fenbendazole failed to significantly decrease strongyle egg counts. Both ivermectin and avermectin B1 resulted in zero microfilaria counts in all horses 14 d after treatment. On day 70 the percentage decrease in microfilaria counts were 100% and 99.6% respectively. Fenbendazole failed to significantly decrease microfilaria counts. The oral administration of this formulation of avermectin B1 appeared to be highly efficacious against intestinal strongyles and Onchocera microfilaria, The duration of anti‐strongyle activity was, however, significantly (P < 0.01) shorter than that of ivermectin paste.