Effect of ivermectin on the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Ivermectin (Ivomec) proved to be effective in controlling R. sanguineus. All brown dog ticks infesting the treated dogs (subcutaneous injections) with 1.5 ml or 2 ml/50 kg dropped off within 4 or 3 days respectively. The dropped off ticks were completely inactive and died within one day or two. Ticks exposed to filter papers impregnated with 100 micrograms/ml (66.67%) died within four days. A dose of 1.5-2 microliters/50 kg eradicated Toxocara canis infection in four dogs, and caused shrinkage of Dipylidium caninum gravid segments in three. A general discussion was given with special reference to the contraindications and side effects of ivermectin particularly for human usage.