Technology status: lab scale or above

Moxidectin is a parasiticide used in treatments for prevention and control of heartworm and intestinal worms, and can be found in treatments prescribed for animals such as dogs, cats, horses, cattle and sheep. Application methods for moxidectin vary by treatment, and include oral, topical, and injectable solutions. Moxidectin treats and controls some of the most common internal and external parasites by Selectively binding to parasites’ glutamate-gated chloride ion channels. These channels are vital to the function of invertebrate nerve and muscle cells; when moxidectin binds to the channels, it disrupts neurotransmission, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite. Studies of moxidectin show that side effects vary by animal and may be affected by the product’s formulation, application method and dosage. The products are usually prescribed by a veterinarian in order to ensure correct use and application. Herding dogs may be avermectin-sensitive, but avermectin sensitive dogs can tolerate standard doses for heartworm prevention.