ACTIONS
Anthelmintic. The major mode of action of Levamisole is on the cholinergic receptor of the neuromuscular junction causing paralysis of the parasite. Levamisole has been shown to inhibit fumarate reductase and to affect the rate of incorporation of glucose into glycogen. Praziquantel is a highly specific cestocidal drug that acts by damaging the tegument, inhibiting glucose uptake & stimulating lactate release. Tapeworms are destroyed in situ.

INDICATIONS
Threadworm (Capillaria), Caecal worm (Heterakis), Roundworm (Ascaridia), Gape worm (Syngamus), Gizzard worm (Acuaria) and tapeworm (Raillietina spp) in small cage birds. The tablet formulation is for direct oral administration to birds of more than 250g bodyweight.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Use in species or strains of birds known to be sensitive to the effects of levamisole.

PRECAUTIONS
Parrots appear to be less tolerant than pigeons to levamisole. Do not dose in extremely hot, dry weather or treat stressed birds, or birds that are feeding young.
Tablets: Treatment during the breeding season, or racing season (pigeons) is not recommended. Vomiting may occur. To reduce the likelihood of vomiting do not handle birds for at least 10 minutes after treatment.
If worm problems persist consult a veterinarian.

WITHHOLDING PERIODS
Do not administer later than 7 days before slaughter to birds intended for human consumption.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Side effects include regurgitation (which is not considered to be harmful), incoordination, leg and wing paresis; atropine has been used as an antidote. Death of birds up to two days after dosing have been attributed to obstruction from massive roundworm infestation.

FIRST AID
Syrup: If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Center. If swallowed, and if more than 15 minutes from a hospital induce vomiting, preferably using Ipecac Syrup APF.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Syrup: Direct administration. 1 drop /10g bodyweight directly into the throat.
Dose guide for Avitrol Syrup directly to the beak
Type of Bird Weight of Bird Dose. Drops of undiluted syrup
Finch 15g 11/2
Budgie 30g 3
Budgie 50g 5
Cockatiel 80g 8
Cockatoo 500g 50
Diluted in drinking water. 0.5mL (12 drops) to 20mL of water or 25mL/L. Use this as the sole source of drinking water for 24 hours, and feed only seed, then replace with fresh clean water. Administer two doses 14 days apart. Solution should be freshly made up before dosing. Repeat in 14 days with fresh solution. This provides a dose of 40mg/Kg bodyweight based on an average bodyweight of 30g and consumption of 5mL of liquid per day. In summer the dose should be reduced to account for increased water consumption, which may be double or more.
For Threadworm, Caecal worm, Gape worm and Roundworm a dose of 0.025mg/g (25mg/Kg) bodyweight has been found adequate. For Gizzard worm a dose of 0.05mg/g (50mg/Kg) is necessary.
Tablets: Administer orally by placing in the throat of the bird, at a rate of 40mg/Kg or 1/2 tablet for birds of 250 to 500 g bodyweight (BW)
1 tablet for birds 500 to 750g (BW)
11/2 tablets for birds 750g to 1Kg
Do not feed birds 24 hours before or 3 hours after treatment. Treat all birds in the same loft or cage. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the loft or cage 3 days after treatment.
Good husbandry practices: Zone control is important in the management of these worm parasites. To prevent re-infestation, practice good hygiene and sanitation, and eliminate dampness. Ideally the birds should be moved into a clean cage 48 hours after initial treatment, and the old cage thoroughly scrubbed and disinfected. To prevent infection from the outside, prevent birds access to intermediate hosts, e.g. grasshoppers, cockroaches and earthworms. Wild birds can infect the aviary with their droppings.

PRESENTATION
Syrup (red, with dropper): 25ml, 100ml, 2L
Tablets (pink): 100's.

STORAGE
Store below 30°C (Room temperature). Protect from light. Replace lid tightly after use.