Dairy producers quite literally make their living milking cows. In most cases, their financial well-being relies on robust milk production obtained while dealing with ever-changing input costs. By taking part in animal health practices that maximize productivity - such as deworming regularly - producers can put themselves in a position to optimize their production while managing the bottom line.
However, one thing they can’t afford is to stall or halt milk production because they treated their lactating herd with ivermectin.
Off-Label Use and Illegal Practice
As veterinarians and many producers are aware, ivermectin is not approved for use in lactating dairy heifers or cows. In fact, any amount detected in milk is considered illegal and the result of off-label use. Unfortunately, says Tom Van Dyke, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim Professional Services Veterinarian, some dairy producers are still deworming with ivermectin, and it’s a real problem.
“No matter how clearly the label explains it, there always seems to be misuse of products intended for a very specific purpose,” says Van Dyke. “In the world of cattle parasiticides, treating lactating dairy cattle with ivermectin is one of the more dangerous practices out there.”
There’s a time and a place for everything, including ivermectin-based parasite control products. Due to manageable pre-slaughter meat withdrawals, beef operations can benefit immensely from them. But dairies operate under different standards - ivermectin detected in milk can lead to:
- FDA violations and fines
- Milk dumps
- Unnecessary expenses
- Loss of profit
Why the Problem Persists: The Lure of Short-term Benefits with Ivermectin
If deemed off-label, illegal and unsafe, why do dairy producers continue following a parasite control protocol that includes ivermectin?
First and foremost, generic ivermectin products typically cost less than other brand-name dewormers. When dairies are searching for ways to decrease input costs, cutting a few corners can seem enticing.
“We all want to save money, especially in today’s competitive market,” Van Dyke says. “So it can be tempting for producers to gravitate toward the cheapest products available.”
Also, because producers are busy, using a product with which they’re already familiar might simply be the result of a time-saving exercise. For instance, Van Dyke points out, IVOMEC® Pour-On (ivermectin) is basically synonymous with deworming due to its history in the marketplace. That can make generic ivermectin-based products easy to trust without even batting an eye.
Finally, it’s possible that producers simply aren’t aware of ivermectin’s threat to the dairy, Van Dyke says. With so many crucial duties and responsibilities to manage, important safety information associated with animal health products can merely slip through the cracks.
But regardless of the reason, the dangers of ivermectin use in dairy cattle are still very real.
EPRINEX® (eprinomectin) Fills the Gap for Parasite Control on Dairies without Ivermectin Dangers
To help avoid those potential blows, Dr. Van Dyke encourages producers to consider EPRINEX® (eprinomectin) for parasite control. Labeled safe for use on the dairy, EPRINEX kills more species and stages of parasites than any other conventional dewormer available,1 and requires no meat or milk withdrawal when used according to the label.
“With EPRINEX, the risk is minimal and the rewards are enormous,” says Van Dyke. “Why risk causing milk residues from ivermectin and, ultimately, gamble your operation’s success when there’s a safe, effective product labeled for use in lactating dairy cows within your reach?”
Most important, however, says Van Dyke, is that veterinarians should regularly educate their clients on the dangers of off-label use of ivermectin in dairy cattle. In both the short and the long term, this knowledge can save producers time and money, while also protecting their reputation in the industry.
EPRINEX IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: No meat or milk withdrawal is required when used according to label. Do not use in calves intended for veal or unapproved animal species as severe adverse reaction, including fatalities in dogs, may result.
IVOMEC POUR-ON IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not treat cattle within 48 days of slaughter. Do not use in dairy cattle of breeding age or in veal calves. Do not use in other animal species not on the label as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.
Merial is now part of Boehringer Ingelheim.
®EPRINEX and IVOMEC are registered trademarks of Merial. ¬©2017 Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. RUMIEEP1705 (03/17)
1Based on FOI summaries and label claims.
