Hi Just joined the forum.
I am trying to find the correct dosage for Ivermectin topical treatment. I have been searching the web and can't find a specific dosage.
Being in a farming area, I can get the cattle pour on from a friend. I know this is very strong and has to be diluted.
I also read that it has to be diluted with propylene glycol.
Can someone please help.
No avian vet anywhere near me.
I need to treat for air sac mites etc.
thanks
Chris
Ivomec
- Buzzard-1
- ...............................
- Posts: 4721
- Joined: 27 May 2010, 21:24
- Location: Narrabri North West NSW
- Location: North West NSW
I used it myself once upon a time.Had the same trouble as you finding a dose rate so I did a trial on some zebs and found two drops from a eye dropper was sufficient(I am in no way saying that this is the correct dose rate only that I found it works) Since then I use Avitrol Plus it will do all you need. I would and do recommend this 

- Jayburd
- ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
- Posts: 5795
- Joined: 08 Dec 2009, 12:08
- Location: Canberra
I used one drop on the rump, one drop behind the head
Julian
Birdwatcher and finch-keeper.
Feel free to check out my photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lewinsrail/
And my birding antics here: http://worthtwointhebushbirding.blogspot.com.au/
Birdwatcher and finch-keeper.
Feel free to check out my photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lewinsrail/
And my birding antics here: http://worthtwointhebushbirding.blogspot.com.au/
- GregH
- ...............................
- Posts: 1671
- Joined: 17 Feb 2009, 08:20
- Location: Brisbane
- Location: Chapel Hill, Brisbane Qld
READ THE LABEL!
I have no idea what strength your stock solution is (the sheep drench) but read the label and dilute it to 0.1% Ivermectin. Gouldians are sensitive to it so go easy with a single drop of the diluted mix to the bare skin on the nape of the neck (exposed by blowing) or place it on the unfeathered portion underneath the the wing. Reapply after 2 weeks just to be sure.
Don't use the diluted mix after about 3 months as it appears to become even more toxic either from evaporation of the carrier or perhaps a breakdown product. This rate clears up ASM and since I don't seem to be afflicted by worms I reckon it cleans them out too.
I have no idea what strength your stock solution is (the sheep drench) but read the label and dilute it to 0.1% Ivermectin. Gouldians are sensitive to it so go easy with a single drop of the diluted mix to the bare skin on the nape of the neck (exposed by blowing) or place it on the unfeathered portion underneath the the wing. Reapply after 2 weeks just to be sure.
Don't use the diluted mix after about 3 months as it appears to become even more toxic either from evaporation of the carrier or perhaps a breakdown product. This rate clears up ASM and since I don't seem to be afflicted by worms I reckon it cleans them out too.
- Myzomela
- ...............................
- Posts: 1545
- Joined: 24 Jan 2011, 18:44
- Location: Melbourne Vic
Hi Chris,
I personally wouldn't waste my time with topical ivermectin for cattle. By the time you dilute with propylene glycol, the doses you are using need to be fairly accurate. It's not worth the risk nor the time in my opinion, as propylene glycol can be quite toxic in its own right if used incorrectly.
There are plenty of on-line sources of sheep ivermectin or even-better -moxidectin eg Melbourne bird Clinic/Australian Pigeon Company & many bird clubs which can send you a bottle & will last for ages.
Just my opinion of course
I personally wouldn't waste my time with topical ivermectin for cattle. By the time you dilute with propylene glycol, the doses you are using need to be fairly accurate. It's not worth the risk nor the time in my opinion, as propylene glycol can be quite toxic in its own right if used incorrectly.
There are plenty of on-line sources of sheep ivermectin or even-better -moxidectin eg Melbourne bird Clinic/Australian Pigeon Company & many bird clubs which can send you a bottle & will last for ages.
Just my opinion of course

Research; evaluate;observe;act
- Fincho162
- ...............................
- Posts: 263
- Joined: 11 Jan 2011, 13:38
- Location: Hobart
If your finches have air-sac mite then the topical Ivomec/Ivomectrin application is a very effective tool........useless given direct or in water I'm afraid - doesn't get to where you want it to!!!!
"If you have the sheep and goat strength one add 3.1 mls of Ivomec to 25mls of isopropyl alcohol (from chemist or a friend that dabbles in chemistry!!) and add ONLY 2 drops to the back of the neck. If not you could end up with a very inebriated bird! If you have cattle strength Ivomec then add 0.5mls to 25mls of alcohol and same dose rate."
The alcohol is an effective delivery agent as it gets the drug directly into the blood stream.
That is what we use and for the usual worming regime we use Cydectin or Cydectin Plus........but if your birds actually have air-sac we've found a few treatments of this direct type are excellent - Cydectin will do the rest!!!
"If you have the sheep and goat strength one add 3.1 mls of Ivomec to 25mls of isopropyl alcohol (from chemist or a friend that dabbles in chemistry!!) and add ONLY 2 drops to the back of the neck. If not you could end up with a very inebriated bird! If you have cattle strength Ivomec then add 0.5mls to 25mls of alcohol and same dose rate."
The alcohol is an effective delivery agent as it gets the drug directly into the blood stream.
That is what we use and for the usual worming regime we use Cydectin or Cydectin Plus........but if your birds actually have air-sac we've found a few treatments of this direct type are excellent - Cydectin will do the rest!!!
- BENSONSAN
- ...............................
- Posts: 778
- Joined: 14 Aug 2009, 00:03
- Location: Sydney N.S.W
- Location: Sydney, Australia
Cydectin which is also moxidectin under a different name does air sac mites also. Just decide whats easier for you. If you have many birds suchas i a water treatmeant with moxidectin aka cidectin is easier.
Ben
Ben
- Fincho162
- ...............................
- Posts: 263
- Joined: 11 Jan 2011, 13:38
- Location: Hobart
Cydectin = "proper" brand name as originally made by Fort Dodge. Moxidectin is the active ingredient.
Ivomec = Brand Name. Ivermectin is it's active ingredient.
Amazing how many times that cause problems........bet someone argues the toss!!
As mentioned if you KNOW your bird really does have air-sac mite then simply treating by water will quite possibly not be enough to remove it..........completely.
We hit it with the alcohol treatment to ensure that we get rid of it..........following that the use of Cydectin should (I emphasize...should!!) keep your flock air-sac free. In our case it certainly has for 6 years and counting now!!!
Don't know what the dose rate for Cydectin in alcohol is so stick with Ivomec.......it does a really good job but still not easy to remove air-sac.
Ivomec = Brand Name. Ivermectin is it's active ingredient.
Amazing how many times that cause problems........bet someone argues the toss!!
As mentioned if you KNOW your bird really does have air-sac mite then simply treating by water will quite possibly not be enough to remove it..........completely.
We hit it with the alcohol treatment to ensure that we get rid of it..........following that the use of Cydectin should (I emphasize...should!!) keep your flock air-sac free. In our case it certainly has for 6 years and counting now!!!
Don't know what the dose rate for Cydectin in alcohol is so stick with Ivomec.......it does a really good job but still not easy to remove air-sac.