CHAPTER 16

Use of Abamectin in Cattle

G.W. Benz and J.L. Cox

I. Introduction
II. Efficacy
A. Endoparasite Activity
B. Ectoparasite Activity

I. Introduction
This chapter presents a summary of the efficacy data that form the basis
for the clinical use of abamectin (avermectin B t ) in cattle. The product is
formulated in the same vehicle as used for IVOMEC (ivermectin)
Injection. At the present time, AVOMEC (abamectin) Injection is regis-
tered only in Australia.
At least 2 adequate and well-controlled trials investigated the effect on
each parasite species. Most of the trials were conducted by MSDRL
researchers, though investigators at other laboratories also contributed.
The efficacy percentages presented here are those upon which regulatory
approval was based. Other efficacy data obtained with abamectin but
formulated in a different vehicle, and not relied upon for registration,
have been presented (Benz and Ernst 1979; Egerton et al. 1979; Wescott
et al. 1980).

II. Efficacy
AVOMEC Injection is a sterile solution containing 1.0% w/v abamectin.
The product is indicated for the treatment and control of gastrointestinal
nematodes (including inhibited immature Ostertagia ostertagl), lung-
worms (Dictyocaulus v;v;parus), and sucking lice (Linognathus vitum
(Scott et al. 1985). It is to be administered subcutaneously in front of or
behind the shoulder at 1 mil 50 kg body weight.
W. C. Campbell (ed.), Ivermectin and Abamectin
© Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 1989
 16. Use of Abamectin in Cattle 231

A. ENDOPARASITE ACTIVITY

The recommended dose of 200 JLg abamectin/kg was selected upon

completion of dose-titration trials involving nematodes primarily, but also
taking into account data against sucking lice (Linognathus vitulz) and
tropical cattle ticks (Boophilus microplus).
Trial data based on subcutaneous injection of abamectin and used for
registration oflabel-efficacy claims are summarized in Table 16.1. Claims
registered in Australia include the following:

Haemonchus placei (adults and fourth-stage larvae)

Ostertagia ostertagi (adults, fourth-stage larvae, and hypobiotic larvae)
Trichostrongylus axei (adults)
Cooperia spp. (adults and fourth-stage larvae)
Chabertia ovina (adults)
Oesophagostomum radiatum (adults and fourth-stage larvae)
Dictyocaulus viviparus (adults and fourth-stage larvae)

Several of the trials involved comparisons of the efficacy of abamectin

and ivermectin (Table 16.2). Ivermectin and abamectin differ only by
reduction of one double bond, each product utilizes the same vehicle, and
each is administered subcutaneously at the same dose rate. Based on
comparable efficacies, the following additional nematode efficacy claims
based on ivermectin data have been registered in Australia:

TABLE 16.1. Efficacy in registration trials of abamectin

given subcutaneously at 200 ILg/kg against adult and
fourth-stage nematode parasites of cattle.
% Reduction

Parasite Adults Immatures'

Gastrointestinal Nematodes
Haemonchus placei 100 100
Ostertagia ostertagia >99 >99
O. ostertagi hypobiotic >99
larvae
Trichostrongylus axei >99 NDb
Cooperia spp. >99 100
Chabertia ouina 100 NDb
Oesophagostomum >99 100
radiatum
Lungworms
Dictyocaulus uiuiparus 100 100
• Developing fourth-stage larvae.
b No data are available.