Controlled test of anthelmintic activity of a macrocyclic lactone (compound F28249-alpha) in lambs

A controlled blind test was performed in 1984 to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of experimental formulations of compound F28249-alpha against gastrointestinal parasites in lambs in Kentucky. Twenty-five lambs were allotted to 5 groups of 5 lambs/group. The drug was administered SC to 2 groups (A, 0.2 mg/kg of body weight; B, 0.3 mg/kg) and orally to 2 groups (C, 0.2 mg/kg; D, 0.3 mg/kg). Group E received a placebo subcutaneously. Lambs were euthanatized 7 days after treatment for necropsy and identification and enumeration of worm parasites in the gastrointestinal tract. Group-E lambs harbored 7 genera (including 10 species) of nematodes and 1 genus of tapeworms. Worm collection data for group-A lambs indicated 97% to 100% of the mature Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, and Trichuris, and immature Haemonchus were removed; and 23% to 73% of the mature Cooperia, Nematodirus, and Strongyloides, and immature Nematodirus were removed. In group-B lambs, 94% to 100% of the mature Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, and Trichuris, and immature Haemonchus were removed as were 70% to 84% of mature Strongyloides and immature Nematodirus, respectively, and 0% for mature Cooperia. The percentage of all nematodes removed in group C and D was 100%, except for Cooperia (95%) in group C and immature Nematodirus (93% and 95%), respectively. Toxicosis was not apparent. Small fibrotic or blood streaked lesions were observed at necropsy in muscle at the injection site of 2 lambs in group B and 1 lamb in group E.