The use of moxidectin 1% injectable for the control of psoroptic mange in sheep

Three groups, each consisting of ten sheep of mixed breeds, naturally infected with Psoroptes ovis, were injected with 200 mcg kg-1 moxidectin 1% solution. Two groups were injected twice with an interval of 10 days between the injections, the other group was injected once. Two groups of five animals, one group infected, the other uninfected, acted respectively as positive and negative controls. Parasitological examinations, by direct examination of the sheep using a hand lens and microscopically of wool and scab samples were performed on Days 5, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 21 post-treatment and thereafter weekly for 4 months. Clinical examinations were also carried out. Moxidectin 1% injectable was completely effective in eliminating the mite from each of the treatment groups, including the group which was injected once only.