Investigation of the efficacy of doramectin (Dectomax™) against Bovicola caprae Gurlt, 1843 in naturally infested domestic goats

Bovicolosis in goats is caused by the biting louse Bovicola caprae, Gurlt (1843), from the family Bovicolidae, suborder Ischnocera, order Phthiraptera. Although this species does not feed on blood, its parasitism causes skin irritation, biting, scratching, and disruption of feeding and resting behaviours in the animals, ultimately leading to decreased productivity. The present study investigates the efficacy of subcutaneously administered doramectin against the biting louse Bovicola (Damalinia) caprae in domestic goats. The study included 20 naturally infested Bulgarian White Dairy goats, divided into two groups. Animals in Group A (n=10) were treated with doramectin (Dectomax™) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight, while animals in Group B (n=10) received subcutaneously the same volume of normal saline. Treatment efficacy was assessed on post-treatment days 3, 14, and 30. In the experimental group, a 94.2% efficacy of the drug was observed as early as the third day post-treatment, which remained consistent until day 30. In contrast, the control group showed no significant differences in the mean infestation intensity compared to the level recorded on the day before treatment. This study confirms the high efficacy of doramectin against Bovicola caprae, making it a suitable option for controlling bovicolosis in goats.