The effect of ivermectin as an antihelminthic drug on the feeding acti-vity and growth of common rough woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) (Crus-tacea: Isopoda)
Abstract
The effective control of parasites in farm animals is an essential aspect of agricultural practice. Nevertheless, little is known about the effects of the pesticides involved on non-target soil organisms, such as macrodecomposer isopods. In this study, we examined the impact of consuming leaves contaminated with ivermectin on body weight gain in the common rough woodlouse (Porcellio scaber). Within the tested concentration range (1, 10, 100, and 500 μg/L of pure ivermectin), significant decreases in body weight and faecal output were observed only at the highest concentration tested (500 μg/L) compared to the control.
The decomposition of organic matter is one of the most critical ecosystem services provided by soil. Consequently, damage to the organisms involved in this process can have serious ecological consequences. The environmentally realistic levels of ivermectin are close to the two lowest doses we tested (1 and 10 μg/L), which did not show significant adverse effects on growth or faecal output.
In conclusion, our results suggest that ivermectin, at concentrations likely to occur in the environment, does not pose a significant threat to the feeding activity or development of isopods.
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