Curamectin for Budgie mites as Ivermectin alternative?

[jenkorun]

Good evening all, one of my budgies is showing signs of having mites, including lethargic behavior and scratching on objects. I was recommended Ivermectin and I've checked our local stores and vets, none sold Ivermectin, they did have something called Curamectin which is advertised for ear mites, the vet claimed that it contains the same active ingredients as Ivermectin.


It contains the following ingredients: Thymol, Lysozyme, Glycerin, Caster oil, Chlorhexidine, Neem oil, Chamomile.


With the cost of import charges (Egypt) and shipping times getting Ivermectin shipped here is showing to be a hassle, the vet I got this specific mectin from isn't an Avian vet but a general one, I included photos (the same ones here) and explained what the problem was and the recommendation was the Curamectin, he said it was suitable for the purpose but I've been warned that essential oils could harm my Budgies, and there aren't any Avian specialist Vets anywhere nearby.

Would this Curamectin be suitable? Cheers.

[Loz]

I cannot answer your question and don't wish to speculate but I hope you get an answer soon to help your beautiful lad.

[Marianne Marlow]

I also have no idea.

Hoping Hezz will know.

[Hezz]

I cannot find anything on-line called curamectin, I’m sorry. It’s odd that a vet said the active ingredients are the same; they can’t be, in my opinion as the active ingredient in Ivermectin is Ivermectin which is one of the avermectin line of pesticides. Wikipedia explains it simply: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avermectin

Since I cannot find any info on curamectin, I can’t really comment on its usefulness or otherwise. If you are not able to buy Ivermectin 0.1% (the concentration is very important as higher concentrations can kill our birds) then you may have to return to the old way of treating mites which is using either a cooking oil or petroleum jelly such as Vaseline smeared over the mite tracks to block the holes so the mites are smothered. It may take weeks for all the mites to be killed off and you will need to apply every day or more and make sure his nostrils are kept free. I’m fairly sure the same principle applies with treating ear mites - they drown in the oil. A budgie’s cere is a much smaller target than a dog’s ear canal though. You could try phoning the company who produces the product you have, or other vets, preferably avian, and asking for a second opinion.