Part Three - Toxic Effects on Microbial and Fungal Populations

Evidence has recently emerged that Ivermectin has unexpected toxic effects on key soil microbial and fungal groups. Reduction in abundance and diversity of soil organisms microbial and fungal groups will have immeasurable impacts to the health of the soil ecosystem. Considering the known lethal impacts on dung beetles, sublethal impact on earthworms, the lesser studied impact on other soil organisms, and recent advances in understanding of impact on microbial and fungal populations, it is fair to state that the potential ramifications for toxicity of Ivermectin are immense.

Livestock play an important role in the contribution of organic matter to energy supply in the soil ecosystem. Our approaches to administration of Ivermectin in the pursuit of healthy animals may have significant inadvertent impact on the soils macrofauna, microbial and fungal activity along with the entire soil food web.

There could not be more urgency to address the commonplace use of Ivermectin in livestock systems. There is a risk to soil through grazing animals and manure/slurry spreading on arable crops. The capacity for further release of GHGs via slow dung decomposition is of concern and yet has not been quantified. Pursuing approaches to reduce Ivermectin use on farm is paramount to avoid increasing the residue effects on the soil and harmful downstream effects.