What is Dectomax?

Dectomax is a brand name of an antiparasitic medication that contains the active ingredient Doramectin. It is used to treat and control a wide range of internal and external parasites in livestock animals such as cattle, sheep, swine, and goats. The medication is available in injectable form, and it is usually administered subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle). Dectomax is effective against many types of parasites, including gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, grubs, lice, and mange mites.

It's worth mentioning that some antiparasitics like Dectomax, have a wide range of activity, meaning that they can control and treat many types of parasites, but also it should be used responsibly to avoid the development of resistance.

What is an antiparasitic?

An antiparasitic is a type of medication or product that is used to prevent or treat infestations of parasites in animals or humans. Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism, known as the host, and derive nourishment from it. Parasites can cause a wide range of health problems, depending on the type of parasite and the host.

Antiparasitics come in various forms such as 

• Oral medications: These are medications that are given to livestock in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid that is ingested by the animal. They are effective against internal parasites, such as worms, and can be used to prevent or treat infestations.
• Injectable solutions: These are medications that are given to livestock in the form of a solution that is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle). They are effective against both internal and external parasites, and can be used to prevent or treat infestations.
• Topical treatments: These are medications that are applied to the skin or coat of the animal and can be in the form of lotions, sprays, gels, or pour-ons. They are effective against external parasites, such as ticks, lice, and mites, and can be used to prevent or treat infestations.
• Shampoos and sprays: These are medications that are applied to the skin or coat of the animal in the form of a shampoo or spray. They are effective against external parasites, such as ticks, lice, and mites, and can be used to prevent or treat infestations.
• Pour-ons: These are medications that are applied to the skin or coat of the animal in the form of a liquid. They are effective against external parasites, such as ticks, lice, and mites, and can be used to prevent or treat infestations.

How do livestock contract parasites?

Livestock can contract parasites through a variety of routes, including:

• Eating infected food or water
• Direct contact with infected animals
• Exposure to infected feces or urine
• Biting insects or other vectors that can transmit parasites
• In utero transmission from an infected mother to her offspring

Some common types of parasites that can infect livestock include worms, protozoa, and arthropods. These parasites can cause a variety of health problems for the affected animals, including diarrhea, weight loss, decreased milk production, and reduced fertility.

To prevent and control parasite infections, farmers may use a combination of management strategies, such as:

• Regularly deworming animals
• Rotating grazing areas
• Providing clean, fresh water
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting animal housing
• Implementing strict biosecurity measures to prevent introduction of infected animals to the herd
• Using appropriate parasite-control products, such as pesticides or antiparasitic drugs