Ivermectin Drops

[Roland]

A class Vet wrote to me ...

 

I had an interesting contact with a fancier who had a major problem with poor or no egg shells from his hens and other birds 'going light'. He had plenty of grit, oyster shell, mineral, vitamins available to these birds. One of his best cocks and others were going light at the time we discussed his problem. Although I was reluctant to do it, I suggested that he arrange to send this bird, or preferably a less valuable bird that was similarly affected, to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. He had no hesitation in sending his best bird and called me when the post mortem results became available. He was shocked to find that this bird was loaded with roundworms! So he treated the whole loft with ‘Ivermectin’ and afterward told me that droppings throughout the loft were just a  tangle of dead worms.

These worms were obviously competing with the birds themselves for nutrients in the diet, and one result was 'going light'. The other was likely a failure of the intestines to absorb sufficient calcium and/or vitamin D from the diet, and the result was poor or no shells on the eggs. Word this weekend is that hens are now starting to lay normal eggs again and the birds in general are looking much better. It will pay him to re-treat these birds, and over time, have his local veterinarian examine samples of droppings for worm eggs until he can completely clear up this problem. The owner is a bit reluctant to use a blow torch throughout the loft, to burn as many worm eggs as possible, for fear of fire. These eggs are very resistant to environmental conditions and can last for years in the surroundings. Burning seems to be the most effective way to deal with them in the loft, but it does have its risks.

 

[Guest]

My mate Percy's not keen on having Ivermec on his birds

[OLDYELLOW]

see other ivermectin post i wrote Albear im not sure it's safe enough as not an approved drug

[Guest]

see other ivermectin post i wrote Albear im not sure it's safe enough as not an approved drug

 

Mine like it

[Guest IB]

see other ivermectin post i wrote Albear im not sure it's safe enough as not an approved drug

 

It is approved for use in pigeons under the VMD's Small Animals Medicines Exemption scheme.

 

While it still seems effective used as an insectide, I have picked up that the farming industry have problems using it as a wormer - there is now widespread resistance to the drug.  If you visit David Parson's site, he has a curious 'warning' on there that , he cannot guarantee Ivermectin will cure worms?

[REDCHEQHEN]

I can't believe someone would sacrifice their best bird - without having the basics done - ie - a droppings test which would have picked this up - and far cheaper than a post mortem

[pjc]

I think as with many medications the recipe has been changed and is not as effective.

It also depends on the type you use, pour on or injectable!

Like all treatments I think if used to often there will be some build up of imunity over time makeing it less effective.

 

Phil

[Roland]

I can't believe someone would sacrifice their best bird - without having the basics done - ie - a droppings test which would have picked this up - and far cheaper than a post mortem

 

'Going light' I.e. Losing weight, is not a disease but a symptom of many diseases and the cause is likely to vary from one loft to another. All such cases should be investigated by an avian veterinarian. Once the cause is identified then the whole biology of the problem is known I.e. How did they get it? What is the best treatment? How to prevent further cases? Is the problem likely to affect race performance in other birds that may look normal. Say a well known Vet and probably very true ... Golly money is burning a hole in the wife’s budget already.

Now it may well be the secondary diseases often carried, that may well be a rather more sinister ailment … like Salmonella / Phar… etc. which will cause bigger problems later on.

So yes in essence Redchequerhen may well be right. But unfortunately Droppings alone are quite often not enough as they may well not show up in droppings!

A bacterial test is also offered by JOHN ON 07970247535 A regular forum member.

Again this may well not be able to diagnose some uglier diseases – Though John is quick and will tell you thus  and then an autopsy is a necessitate option.

Now take the costs! – John is less than a tenner still I believe – Most can’t see their way clear of that! Also it must be said, a good understanding of realism, and experience augers well for a vast majority. Indeed many know the symptoms better than some (very many)Vets.

Yes the basis of Ecoli / Cocci etc. is down to management etc. and common sense. IF then after cured the same bird goes down again there is surely only an option of two! A. Constitution is no good … get rid, or B. A parasite has moved in. Either way action has to then be taken quickly! This I feel is where some may just cross fingers and hope.

Some lofts always seem to have a problem, where others hardly ever.