Macrocyclic lactones, particularly the avermectins, have completely revolutionized the approaches aimed at control of parasites. These avermectins are the most widely used anti-parasitic drugs in veterinary field with sales exceeding one billion US dollars annually. However, before clinical usage, their safety evaluation in the animals is a major critical factor that must be considered. Many studies have reported the negative effects of avermectins like ivermectin, abamectin, doramectin, and eprinomectin on the host animals. These harmful effects arise from avermectins targeting GABA and glutamate-gated chloride channels present both in the parasites and the host animals. In this review, various modes of avermectins action along with the negative effects on the host like nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption were discussed in detail. Furthermore, other important issues like ecotoxicity, drug resistance, and drug residues in milk associated with avermectins usage were also discussed, which need special attention.

Poultry coccidiosis has been conventionally controlled by various anticoccidial chemicals. But, due to multiple issues associated with chemicals, need for safe alternates is crucial and essential oils are among the best candidates. Hence, the current in-vitro research was conducted to examine the anticoccidial potential of Citrus sinensis essential oil against mixed species of Eimeria oocysts. In this experiment, the anticoccidial activity was estimated by sporulation inhibition method. Eight groups were made based on different concentrations of C. sinensis essential oil and other control chemicals. The results revealed a dose-dependent response with maximum sporulation inhibition activity at the highest concentration of the C. sinensis essential oil. Thus, this essential oil is proved to have the potential for its application in control of coccidiosis.