The Degradation of Ivermectin in the Barn Ground Following Subcutaneous Administration in Beef Cattle

Ivermectin is the most used antiparasitic drug in veterinary medicine. It is excreted in faeces and may persist in the environment, potentially causing adverse toxic effects on non-target organisms. The purpose of this study is to investigate the degradation of ivermectin in barn ground after subcutaneous administration in beef cattle. To conduct this study, faecal samples were collected from various areas of the cattle barn ground where the animals had received a subcutaneous ivermectin at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg. The samples were taken over a period of two months. The study demonstrated that the highest ivermectin concentration in faecal samples was detected on day 5, at 153.62 ± 9.76 ng/g. In contrast, the final faecal samples collected on day 60 revealed an ivermectin concentration of 1.92 ± 0.93 ng/g. The calculated half-life of ivermectin in the barn ground was 9.21 days. Following a single dose, ivermectin remains detectable for extended periods, even at low concentrations. This persistence poses a potential risk of significant ecotoxicological harm to non-target organisms and animals in terrestrial and aquatic environments. To minimise this environmental impact, it is crucial to adopt effective manure management strategies and raise awareness among livestock producers and veterinarians regarding the responsible use of ivermectin. Promoting sustainable veterinary practices is essential for protecting the environment.