| Abstract: | The efficacy of ivermectin against inhibited early 4th-stage larvae of ostertagia ostertagi and other nematodes of the abomasum and intestinal tract was determined in naturally infected yearling beef cattle. The time when large numbers of inhibited larvae were acquired was determined by monthly slaughter of monitor cattle, beginning in January. In April, 12 animals were removed from pasture and maintained free of further helminth exposure until slaughter (21 days). At 9 days after the cattle were removed from pasture, ivermectin was administered to the principals by subcutaneous injection (200 micrograms/kg); the other 6 animals were given subcutaneous injections of the ivermectin vehicle. both groups were klled and necropsied at 12 days after treatment. Mean numbers of O ostertagi in the 6 controls were: adults, 41,906; developing 4th stage, 73,813; and early 4th stage, 334,965. The mean proportion of early 4th-stage larvae was 73.7%. In the 6 principals (treated with ivermectin), the following reductions were observed: O ostertagi adults, 100%; developing 4th stage, 99.8%; and early 4th stage, 99,9%. Small numbers of dead and degenerated O ostertagi of all developmental stages were recovered from abomasal washings before fixation; few viable worms were recovered. |
