| Author | Beynon, S.A., Peck, M., Mann, D.J. & Lewis, O.T. |
| Year | 2012 |
| Title | Consequences of alternative and conventional endoparasite control in cattle for dung-associated invertebrates and ecosystem functioning |
| Type | Paper |
| Source | Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment Vol 162: 36-44. |
| Review (by Malcolm Storey) | Assessed the effects of ivermectin and three alternative treatments on dung fauna and decomposition rates. Demonstrates that ivermectin "dramatically altered insect assemblages, reducing emergent fly biomass … (and)… also reduced emergent dung beetle abundance" and adversely affected the rate of dung decomposition. "Dung from ivermectin-treated cattle can act as an ecological trap (a poor-quality environment which associated invertebrates are forced to colonise) with potentially major consequences for the ecosystem service of dung decomposition". One of the alternative treatments caused similar problems and they highlight the need for a legal requirement for environmental testing of alternative products. |
| Notes & Purpose | Status | Taxon | English | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | Bos taurus primigenius | Aurochs | Animalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae | |
| Current | INSECTA | true insects | Animalia | |
| Current | APHODIIDAE | a family of dung beetles | Animalia: Coleoptera | |
| Current | SCARABAEIDAE | dung and carrion beetles | Animalia: Coleoptera |
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