Laying Hens Affected By Newcastle Virus And Laryngotracheitis Virus Show Rapid Recovery After Treatment With Ivermectin

SUMMARY This is an anecdotal observation of an intervention study involving laying hens from a commercial farm in the city of Chincha, Peru, who suffered an outbreak caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), confirmed by clinical observations, serological and molecular tests (PCR). In addition to receiving standard treatment appropriate to the state of health at the time of the operation, a group of birds were treated with a single dose of ivermectin administered subcutaneously (0.2 mL of a 1% solution equivalent to 200 µg/kg body weight), with a group of control birds not receiving the treatment being reserved. The results showed a remarkable recovery of symptoms after 24 hours of treatment among the birds that received ivermectin. At 4 days after treatment, the birds that received ivermectin showed visibly greater mobility and vivacity, as well as a recovery in egg production. PCR tests after 4 days of treatment with ivermectin were negative for NDV and ILTV. These results are interesting and suggest a possible effect of ivermectin against NDV and ILTV in birds. More controlled studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.