Updated Recommendation for Moxidectin (Cydectin) Treatment in Goats

It is recommended that the cattle injectable formulation of moxidectin (recently approved by FDA) be used in goats because moxidectin has a superior pharmacokinetic profile in goats when administered by subcutaneous injection as compared to when administered orally.   This means that a much greater proportion of the drug administered remains in the body at high therapeutic levels, but is no more persistent over time.  Therefore, worm resistance to moxidectin will develop more slowly if given by injection to goats.  Because the drug reaches high therapeutic levels when injected, there is no need to double the dose.  So when administering moxidectin by subcutaneous injection, use the cattle dose which is on the label (0.09 mg/lb; 0.2 mg/kg; 21 day meat withdrawal ) This is the one exception with goats where a dewormer should be administered orally and where the regular label dose (not 2 times the dose) should be used. However, it is still OK to administer moxidectin orally to goats (just not preferred).  But if an individual has a personal preference to administer moxidectin orally to goats, then the sheep oral drench at a 2X dose (0.18 mg/lb; 0.4 mg/kg) should be given.

Please note that moxidectin (Cydectin) is not approved for use in goats and is therefore considered extra-label usage.  Extra-label usage of drugs is permitted only by or on the order of a veterinarian, and only within a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship.  Non-veterinarians should always consult with their veterinarian before using any drug in an extra-label manner.