The Effect of Ivermectin Pour-on Administration Against Natural Heterakis gallinarum Infestation and its Prevalence in Native Poultry

Khayatnouri Khayatnouri

doi:10.3844/ajavsp.2011.55.58

Abstract

Problem statement: One of the real problems that cause the economic prejudice in animal farms yearly is parasitic diseases. To overcome these problems the use of antiparasitic drugs is necessary. Ivermectin is a broad spectrum antiparasitic agent and different routes of its administration such as injection, oral and pour-on were used. The aims of the current study were evaluation of the efficacy of ivermectin pour-on administration against natural Heterakis gallinarum infection in native poultry and also determination the prevalence rate of this parasite in Tabriz area. Approach:In the present study, 120 native poultry were investigated by Egg Per Gram of feces (EPG) feces test. Willis method was applied for feces test and Mack-master slide method was used for counting nematode eggs. After confirming the infection with worms, Ivermectin (0.5 mg kg−1) pour-on was administrated to infected birds. Fecal examination was repeated in 1, 7, 21 and 28 days post treatment. Results: Results showed that total prevalence of Heterakis gallinarum infection was 21.66% in native poultry of Tabriz area. Efficacy rate of ivermectin pour-on was 59.14, 87.87, 97.65 and 99.57% in 1, 7, 21 and 28 days respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, the effect of this drug against Heterakis gallinarum resulted in reduction in egg count exceeded 98% (p<0.05), so this drug can be used in antiparasitic program in poultry. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate the drug effect on other nematodes and parasitic infections.

Highlights

Infections with gastrointestinal nematodes are very common on native poultry in Iran and all over the world
Many researches for prevalence rate of gastrointestinal parasites all over the world have been reported but researches for effect of anti parasitic drugs by different administration routes is low and in Iran the study on present subject has not been done (Georgi and Georgi, 1990; Kassai, 1999; Mandal, 2006; Soulsby, 1986)
Subcutaneous and topical formulations are available for use in animals, at a dose of 0.2 and 0.5 mg kg−1 bodyweight, respectively

Summary

Introduction

Infections with gastrointestinal nematodes are very common on native poultry in Iran and all over the world. Ivermectin is a member of the macrocyclic lactone class of endectocides It is labeled for the treatment of internal and external parasites in dogs, cats, horses, pigs, sheep, cattle and birds. Ivermectin is a highly potent broadspectrum anthelmintic that is widely used in different animals. It is available in injectable, oral and topical formulations for use in animals (Vermunt et al, 1995; Williams et al, 1997). The objective of the present study is the evaluation of the effect of ivermectin pour-on administration against natural Heterakis gallinarum nematode infections and determination of its prevalence rate in native poultry.

Objectives

Methods

Results