Coccidia Prevention Medications

Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease in sheep and goats caused by the protozoa Eimeria spp. Coccidiosis can cause severe damage to the gut and impair digestion, leading to severe weight loss, anemia, and even death in young animals. To prevent this, several coccidia prevention medications are used in sheep and goats. This article will discuss the use of Bovatec, Rumensin, Deccox, and Toltrazuril, as well as their efficacy, safety, and withdrawal times.

Bovatec

Bovatec (Lasalocid) is a coccidiostat used to prevent infection in sheep and goats. It is an ionophore, meaning it disrupts the cell membrane of the protozoa, thereby preventing it from replicating. Bovatec is administered by mixing it into the animal’s feed. It is very effective and is generally well tolerated. The meat withdrawal time is 14 days, while the milk withdrawal time is seven days*.

“Bovatec should be used with the most caution as it has the potential to cause adverse reactions in some animals“

Linessa Farms, LLC

Rumensin

Rumensin (Monensin) is another coccidiostat used in sheep and goats. It is also an ionophore, meaning it disrupts the protozoa’s cell membrane. Rumensin is administered orally as a drench or in feed. It is practical and generally well tolerated. The meat withdrawal time is 28 days, while the milk withdrawal time is seven days*.

Deccox

Deccox (Decoquinate) is a coccidiostat used in goats for the prevention of coccidiosis. It works by interfering with the replication of the Eimeria spp. Protozoa. Deccox is administered orally as a drench or in feed. It is practical and generally well tolerated. The meat withdrawal time is 28 days, while the milk withdrawal time is 0 days*.

Toltrazuril

Toltrazuril is a coccidiostat used in sheep and goats to prevent coccidiosis. It works by interfering with the replication of the Eimeria spp. Protozoa. Toltrazuril is administered orally as a drench or in feed. It is practical and generally well tolerated. The meat withdrawal time is 28 days, while the milk withdrawal time is seven days*. Check out THIS LINK to the Maryland Small Ruminant Page for more information.

Comparing These Medications

When choosing a medication for livestock, it is essential to consider the safety and efficacy of the product. Toltrazuril is the safest medication from Deccox, Rumensin, Toltrazuril, and Bovatec. It is a broad-spectrum antiprotozoal and antifungal medication effective against many parasites. Deccox is also a broad-spectrum medication, but it should be used with caution due to its potential to cause liver damage. Rumensin is a narrow-spectrum anthelmintic that is used to control certain types of internal parasites. Lastly, Bovatec should be used with the most caution as it can cause adverse reactions in some animals. All medications should be used per the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Coccidiosis control is an integral part of raising sheep and goats. While it is not possible to eliminate coccidiosis, it is possible to reduce the severity of the disease by using preventive medications. There are many coccidia-prevention medications. Bovatec, Rumensin, Deccox, and Toltrazuril effectively control coccidiosis in sheep and goats. They are generally safe and well tolerated, with appropriate withdrawal times for meat and milk products. All of these medications and more are available for purchase HERE.

*These withdrawal times are when the medication is detectable in the meat or milk. This is NOT the same as the USDA acceptable limit level. For instance, a drug might be noticeable in the meat for up to 28 days and have a zero-day withdrawal as determined by the USDA. This is based on what the USDA has determined is safe for human consumption.