Roundworm Flies Ticks Lice Mites
Warning: When using MLs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will also treat any other of the parasites mentioned above that are present. You can increase the development of chemical resistance to all of these parasites each time you use an ML product, including non-target parasites.
Note: Can kill dung beetles
A variety of application methods for administering pesticide products to cattle are in use.
Oral Pour-on Injection
Reported in: Worms Ticks (found overseas, so far not in Australia)
Resistance to MLs in Australia is fairly widespread for the small intestinal worm (Cooperia species) and ML resistant populations of small brown stomach worm (Ostertagia ostertagi) have also been found.
Everyone working in the rural industry has a ‘duty of care’; a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for everyone on the property.
Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat animals for internal and external parasites.
A guide to the different active ingredients and the parasites they affect are in Table 1. See the Products Search Guides for WormBoss, TickBoss, LiceBoss and FlyBoss for the appropriate formulation and application method for your target pest. Note combinations and mixtures of actives may improve treatment efficacy.
Table 1. Macrocyclic lactones, their actives, combinations and mixtures and a summary of the targeted parasites for which formulations are registered for. Boxed check marks indicate the pest targeted by multiple actives.
Chemical |
Pests targeted (may vary with formulation) |
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Worms |
Flies |
Cattle tick |
Lice |
Mites |
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Round-worm |
Intestinal tapeworm |
Liver fluke |
Buffalo fly |
Stable fly |
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MLs |
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Ivermectin |
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Abamectin |
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Doramectin |
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Eprinomectin |
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Moxidectin |
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Combination (all actives target boxed parasite) |
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Abamectin and levamisole |
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Ivermectin and fluazuron |
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Moxidectin and levamisole |
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Abamectin, levamisole and oxfendazole |
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Mixtures (multiple targets) |
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Macrocyclic lactone and triclabendazole |
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Ivermectin and clorsulon |
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Mixtures and combinations (multiple targets, primary target of actives boxed) |
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Ivermectin, nitroxynil and clorsulon |
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Macrocyclic lactones are products or chemical derivatives of soil microorganisms belonging to the genus Streptomyces.
MLs have a potent, broad antiparasitic spectrum at low dose levels.
MLs are fast-acting compounds that block nerve transmission in many parasites but have little effect in mammals. They bind to glutamate-gated chloride channel receptors in nerve cells. The resultant sustained channel opening allows influx of chloride ions and paralysis of the parasite neuromuscular system. This reduces the motor capacity of nematodes and causes paralysis, eventually resulting in de-attachment and expulsion from the animal.
MLs become extensively distributed throughout the body and concentrate particularly in fatty tissue. The route of administration and formulation may affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.