Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the treatment efficacy and safety of Ivermectin ‘drop on’ liquid for the management of Knemidocoptes infestation in Budgerigars. Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatis) were selected as representative of caged birds, being the most commonly affected species. Fifteen (15) birds for dose titration, eighteen (18) for efficacy and nine (9) for the safety study were used. The efficacy study was conducted over three weeks. Birds of bodyweight less than 30 g was given one drop and birds of bodyweight 30 g to 100 g was given two drops of ivermectin solution (Avimec(R) ) on the skin of the thigh and treatment was repeated weekly. The safety study was performed as an acute toxicity trial with a single application. 0.1 % ivermectin ‘drop on’ liquid was effective for the eradication of mite within two weeks. One drop (0.05mL) was effective for birds of bodyweight of less than 30g and two drops (0.1 mL) was effective for birds of bodyweight 30g to 100g. Significant improvement was observed after day 7 and complete eradication was observed within 2 weeks. For the safety study, birds were treated 5X and 10X of the standard dose. No adverse reaction or toxicities were observed. Topical “drop on” ivermectin liquid (Avimec) showed rapid and effective treatment of Knemidocoptes infection. Moreover 0.1 % ivermectin drop on liquid also demonstrated a high therapeutic index of greater than 10X of standard dose.