Ivermectin Sheep Drench is a dewormer for treating internal parasites in sheep like gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, and nasal bots. It fights a broad range of parasites and is administered orally through syringes or guns.
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What is Ivermectin Sheep Drench?
Ivomec Sheep Drench (Ivermectin) is an FDA-approved anthelmintic (antiparasitic drug) intended for animal use only. It’s manufactured by Durvet and is available in 240 mL and 960 mL packages.
Durvet Ivermectin Sheep Drench has a unique formulation. It contains a 0.08% solution of ivermectin. Ivermectin is obtained from avermectins, a group of drugs and pesticides used as parasiticides, as well as for insect pest control.
Effective Against a Broad Range of Parasites
Ivermectin Sheep Drench has broad-spectrum effectiveness against sheep diseases. It’s used for treatment and control of adult and fourth-stage larvae of lungworms (Dictyocaulus filaria) and certain gastrointestinal roundworms:
- Haemonchus contortus
- Ostertagia circumcincta
- Trichostrongylus axei
- T. colubriformis
- Cooperia curticei
- Nematodirus spathiger
- N. battus
- Oesophagostomum columbianum
Moreover, it eliminates all larval stages of nasal bot – Oestrus ovis. It’s also effective in treating adult forms of gastrointestinal roundworms listed below:
- Haemonchus placei
- Trichuris ovis
- Chabertia ovina
- Cooperia oncophora
- Strongyloides papillosus
- Oesophagostomum venulosum
How do you use Ivermectin Sheep Drench?
Dewormers are given to sheep orally using drenching applicators like syringes and drench guns. This allows easy administration and providing a consistent dose volume.
Calibrating your drench gun accurately is essential to ensure your sheep don’t get underdosed, which would expose them to potential infections and may cause drench resistance.
The dose rate is three mL of drench (containing 2.4 mg Ivermectin) per 26 lbs body weight or 200 mcg Ivermectin per kilogram of body weight.
Alternatives to Ivermectin
Ivermectin is one of the best wormers for sheep, as it is broadly effective and easy to use.
Alternatives include:
- Cydectin
- Levamisole (also known as Levasole or Tramisol)
- Albendazole (Valbazen)
- Fenbendazole (Panacur or Safe Guard)
Ivermectin Pour On vs Ivermectin Sheep Drench
Durvet also produces a topical cattle dewormer called Ivermectin Pour On. The product is packaged in plastic containers. The size ranges from 250 mL to 25 liters.
Ivermectin Pour On contains five mg of ivermectin per mL. It’s used in treatment of the following parasites:
- Roundworms (inhibited Ostertagia ostertagi)
- Lungworms
- Grubs
- Suckling and biting lice
- Mange mites
- Flies (including horn flies)
Although both Ivermectin Sheep Drench and Ivermectin Pour On are characterized by broad-spectrum effectiveness in livestock, Ivermectin Pour On is typically used for external parasite control.
Ivermectin Overdosing
Overdosing sheep with Ivermectin causes Ivermectin toxicity. General symptoms of Ivermectin poisoning include:
- Uncoordinated, excessive, or disproportionate movements
- Disorientation
- Pupil dilatation and contraction
- Blindness
- Tremor
- Coma
Always check label information and follow label instructions to avoid a dewormer overdose. Young animals are more susceptible to overdosing than their adult counterparts. There isn’t an antidote for Ivermectin poisoning. Ivermectin Sheep Drench is for sheep use only and is not safe for human consumption.
