Evaluation of Ivermectin for Treatment of Hair Loss Syndrome in Black-Tailed Deer

The study evaluated the effectiveness of ivermectin in treating hair loss syndrome in Columbian black-tailed deer. Eight affected fawns were captured, with three receiving ivermectin and five serving as controls. Treated deer showed significant improvements, including higher weight gain (22.4 vs. 12.6 kg), fewer parasite eggs and larvae, and faster hair regrowth compared to untreated deer. No treated deer died, while two untreated deer did. The findings suggested that excessive lice, gastrointestinal nematodes, and lungworms might be key factors in the hair loss and subsequent death of affected deer.