Prophylactic use of ivermectin against cattle myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel, 1858).

The prophylactic efficacy of ivermectin against navel or scrotal myiasis in calves was evaluated in eight trials in Argentina and Brazil. In two trials, calves were injected subcutaneously with ivermectin at a dosage of at least 200 microg kg(-1) within 24 h of birth. In the other six trials, two with two-month-old calves and four with four-month-old or older calves, all calves were treated with ivermectin at a dosage of at least 200 microg kg(-1) immediately after castration. In all trials, calves were maintained together on pasture and naturally exposed to Cochliomyia hominivorax. Navel and scrotal wounds were examined for myiasis daily for at least 14 days. Incidence of navel and scrotal myiasis was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in treated calves than in control calves.