IVERMECTIN PLASMATIC KINETIC AND MILK RES IDUES - NEW FACTS AND HYPOTHESIS

Administration of a therapeutic dose of ivermectin (0,2 mg/kg) to a dr y cow resulted in quantifiable amounts of ivermectin in the plasma for more than 3 months post-injection. Based upon this new information, t he presence of ivermectin residue in milk is discussed for cows treate d during the dry period or for lactating cows receiving an extra-label treatment based on la lower dose rate than the recommended dose in no n-lactating cow. It is concluded that experimental data must be obtain ed to confirm or refute the hypothesis that the acceptable daily intak e of ivermectin might be exceeded due to residues in the milk. In addi tion, the extra-label use of ivermectin in the dairy cow is of concern with respect to the food safety policy and must be documented.