An ivermectin sustained release bolus in cattle: its effects on the tick Ixodes ricinus

Five calves were given an intraruminal bolus orally, designed to release ivermectin for 120 days at the rate of 8 mg/day. This is equivalent to a dose of 40 micrograms/kg/day for a calf expected to weigh 200 kg at the end of the delivery period. Five control calves were given a placebo bolus. On days 7 and 36 after treatment ten nymphs and ten adult female Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus 1758) were placed in ear bags on the calves. The engorgement rates were monitored for 10 days and subsequent egg production and hatching percentages determined. There were no significant differences between treatment groups for female mortality. However, ivermectin treatment significantly reduced the numbers and weights of engorged females, females laying eggs, and the number of larvae produced on the treated calves was reduced to 3% of that of the control group. The effects on nymphs, although similar, were less consistent than on adults.