'It's more like a poison': Experts, equestrians warn against using horse dewormer to treat COVID-19
Ivermectin is a drug used to treat parasites in mainly horses and cattle, but misinformation about the dewormer has attracted a different type of herd – people who believe it can prevent COVID-19.
Misinformation about ivermectin has spread online in recent weeks, prompting concerns from veterinarians and those in the equestrian industry.
"It's more like a poison that's going to kill the worms in their systems, so I can't imagine that it would be very good for human consumption," said Claire Bevan-Stewart, owner of Willow Equestrian in Guelph.
Bevan-Stewart said she's seen a surge in inquires and sales of ivermectin, raising her suspicion about what it is being purchased for.
"We decided because of the influx of interest and possibly with non-horse people we decided to take it off the shelves and off the website," she said.
That decision came around the same time Bevan-Stewart says Ontario's Animal Health and Welfare Branch wrote to veterinary retailers to not sell ivermectin for human use.
"Don't take ivermectin, it's not effective at COVID and it's likely to be very toxic," said University of Guelph veterinary professor Dorothee Bienzle.
She said there is no proof of the dewormer's effectiveness against COVID-19, but it is proven that a dose meant for livestock is up to twenty times stronger than what would be prescribed for people to treat infections like head lice.
"That's way too much and they get mainly what is called neurotoxicity and they get irritation of the intestines, nausea, vomiting," Bienzle said.
In August, Health Canada issued a warning against taking ivermectin to treat COVID-19 due to serious health dangers, adding "to date, Health Canada has not received any drug submission or clinical trial application for ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Services Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
BREAKING Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Police make arrests in grandparent scam that defrauded victims out of $739K
Ontario Provincial Police say they have 'disrupted' an organized crime group that allegedly used an emergency grandparent scam to defraud seniors across Canada out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.