Farm supply and feed stores cannot keep a livestock deworming medication on the shelves because social media posts are calling it a cure for COVID-19. A veterinarian with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System warns that people should not buy animal ivermectin products to self-medicate.

“Animal formulations of ivermectin are not safe for human use,” said Soren Rodning, who is also an Auburn University associate professor of animal sciences. “Bottom line—do not self-medicate with animal ivermectin products. I cannot emphasize this enough.”