Levamisole: anthelmintic activity in calves following dermal application
Rowlands, D.T.; Berger, J.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 48(2): 85-93
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 1019-9128 PMID: 144190 Document Number: 122446
A series of 7 experiments designed to evaluate anthelmintic efficacy of levamisole by dermal application is described. This work involved use of 181 artificially infested calves. The drug was formulated at a concentration of 10% levamisole base in a solvent system promoting dermal absorption and was applied to both sides of the spine in the lumber region at a dose rate of 10 mg levamisole base/kg livemass. A consistent performance was achieved in these investigations, and the results from all were based upon necropsy findings. Efficacy of treatment was assessed against the 3rd and 4th larval stages and 5th stage larvae/adult worms of 6 nematode species; respective efficacies obtained were Haemonchus placei 72.0, 99.3 and 100%; Ostertagia ostertagi 85.5, 38.1 and 74.5%; Cooperia spp. 98.9, 99.9 and 100%; Bunostomum phlebotomum 83.0, 100 and 98.5%; Oesophagostomum radiatum 47.4, 94.9 and 99.6% and Dictyocaulus viviparus 79.5, 94.1, 90.9% (fifth stage larvae) and 93.8% (adult worms). Anthelmintic efficacy of levamisole in these experiments is of the same order as that achieved by orthodox methods of administration at dose rates between 7.5-10.0 mg levamisole HCl/kg livemass. These findings add a new dimension to use of levamisole and to anthelmintic therapy in general.