Treatment of small lungworm infestation in sheep by using moxidectin.

Abstract

The use of moxidectin (MXD) in the treatment of small lungworm infestation (Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris, Neostrongylus linearis and Protostronglylus rufescens) in sheep, was evaluated. Twenty-one sheep naturally infested with small lungworms, were divided into three groups (n = 7) and treated as follows: group A with moxidectin 1% injectable solution at a dose rate of 0.2mgkg(-1) bodyweight, group B with moxidectin 0.1% oral drench at a dose rate of 0.2 mgkg(-1) bodyweight and group C being controls. Before treatment, mean faecal larval counts were 30.7, 21.1 and 26.7 lpg in group A, B and C, respectively; 14 days after treatment respective counts were 0.4, 2.3 and 63.0 lpg, (percentage reduction after moxidectin administration >96.0%); 60 days after treatment respective counts were 0.0, 0.0 and 26.4 lpg, (percentage reduction after moxidectin administration 100%). It is concluded that treatment of small lungworm infestation of sheep can be effected by using moxidectin.