How effective is ivermectin against fleas and ticks?

Question
I hear breeders use horse ivermectin paste to prevent pests.  I've also read ivermectin does not kill fleas and ticks.  

What is your experience on the effects on fleas and ticks?

Answer
Hi Tom

Ivermectin is supposed to kill parasites and I know people that use it to treat worms and mites but I know it doesn't work for ticks and I am really not sure how well it takes care of fleas.  We don't use it for flea's and ticks so it would be hard for me to say.  I also wouldn't recommend the paste.  It is to hard to get the proper dose.  If you chose to use ivermectin I would get the 1% ivermectin injectable liquid made for cattle and swine.  It comes in a brown box.  You can inject it but I have found that using it orally is safer.  I give my rabbits 1/10th of a cc per 5 pounds of body weight.  

I want you to know that the above information is as a breeder and not a health care provider.  My vets are reactive rather than proactive.  They would rather wait until a parasite is found than to treat animals just as a precaution.  The problem is that ivermectin along with other medications can be dangerous in a rabbit that may have an underlying illness that you are not aware of.  I have lost rabbits who had bad infestations of ear mites by giving them ivermectin.  If it crosses the blood brain barrier the rabbit is pretty much hopeless.  

There are 2 different opinions on medication for fleas/ticks.  My own personal vet recommends Revolution (selemectin).  You put 2 or 3 drops on the back of the neck and it protects them for about a month.

Some vets may recommend advantage.  Advantage can be washed off if a problem is noticed and some vets will say it is safer.  It works the same way as the selemectin but selemectin goes system wide immediately where Advantage can be washed off if there is an immediate problem.

Whatever you do don't use frontline.  This can cause severe neurological problems and even death in rabbits.

Good luck and if you need any more help please let me know.

Sincerely,

Pam