Bivan is a veterinary medication used to manage parasitic infections in livestock. It functions as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic, targeting internal and external parasites. Bivan is typically administered to cattle to control these threats.
Understanding Bivan
Bivan contains two active ingredients: ivermectin and clorsulon. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic agent effective against nematodes and arthropods, acting by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates, leading to paralysis and death. Clorsulon is an anthelmintic specifically targeting liver flukes by inhibiting enzymes in their glycolytic pathway.
The combination of these two compounds provides a broad-spectrum treatment for both internal and external parasitic infestations. This dual action makes Bivan a versatile option for managing parasitic burdens in cattle. The selective toxicity of ivermectin to parasites, rather than mammals, is due to the absence of glutamate-gated chloride channels in mammals or their location in areas not effectively reached by the drug.
How Bivan Is Used
Bivan is an injectable parasiticide formulated for cattle, effectively targeting a wide array of internal and external parasites. It controls gastrointestinal roundworms, such as Ostertagia, Haemonchus, and Trichostrongylus. The medication also addresses lungworms and adult liver flukes.
Beyond internal parasites, Bivan is effective against external parasites including mites and sucking lice. The typical administration route is subcutaneous injection. Dosage depends on the animal’s body weight, with a common guideline being 1 mL per 50 kg (110 lb) body weight. A veterinarian or the product label should determine specific dosage and treatment timing to ensure efficacy and animal safety.
Safety and Responsible Use
Responsible use of Bivan involves adherence to specific safety measures for both animals and handlers. A meat withdrawal period, typically around 21 days, is necessary to ensure drug residues deplete to safe levels before animals are processed for human consumption. For milk, Bivan is generally not for use in lactating dairy cattle producing milk for human consumption, as ivermectin can be excreted in milk. These withdrawal periods are legally mandated and are found on the product label.
Animals may experience adverse reactions, though specific details for Bivan are not universally published. Handlers should take precautions such as wearing protective gloves to prevent skin exposure, and care should be taken to avoid accidental self-injection. Proper storage is also important; veterinary medicines should be kept in a clean, dry, and frost-free area, protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Benefits of Bivan
Bivan offers significant advantages in livestock management due to its broad-spectrum efficacy against a variety of internal and external parasites. This comprehensive control helps to reduce the overall disease burden on animals, contributing to improved animal health. Effective parasite management can lead to enhanced productivity, including better weight gain and feed efficiency in cattle.
The convenience of a single injectable product that targets multiple parasite types simplifies treatment protocols for livestock owners. By controlling parasitic infestations, Bivan helps minimize the economic losses associated with reduced growth rates, poor reproductive performance, and increased susceptibility to other diseases in livestock. These factors collectively contribute to the overall well-being of the herd and the profitability of livestock operations.