Perhaps the biggest contribution of the discovery of avermectins in veterinary medicine is the prevention of heartworm disease, which is nearly 100 % preventable with monthly micro-doses of these compounds available in any number of commercial products. (drrogerholisticvet.com)
In avermectin sensitive pets, the signs may be more severe and may include coma and death. (1800petmeds.com)
The Institute sent the bacterial isolate to Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories in Rahway, NJ, where it was discovered that it was a particular class of compound called avermectin secreted by the bacteria that was responsible for its ability to kill worms. (drrogerholisticvet.com)