In New Mexico and around the country, people are turning to unorthodox and potentially dangerous methods to prevent or treat COVID-19 as the virus once again ramps up in cases and casualties. 

Health officials say that Ivermectin, which is a commonly used treatment as dewormer for horses and cows, is dangerous for human use and should not be used in an attempt to treat or prevent COVID-19, according to KOB4. 

New Mexico State Rep. Yvette Herrell said on Twitter, "Despite clear studies showing possible applications of Ivermectin in helping against COVID, Joe Biden's party would rather politicize medicine. Don't take horse dewormer. Do encourage research/tests with Ivermectin by doctors. It's that simple."

Rep. Yvette Herrell advocates research into Ivermectin, but not taking the product as-is for humans. | Facebook

The information that the deworming medicine could be an ingredient in some successful treatments of COVID have people all around the country rushing to purchase the product. Western Mercantile, a store located in Tijeras, was out of stock of the item late in August, it told KOB4. 

A store employee said, “It’s been going out of stock quickly, and everyone is wanting it for themselves. It is for a 1,000-plus pound animal, not for a human being. We’re running into a problem with our livestock not getting what they need when everyone is buying it for themselves."

Health officials around the country are urging the public to not attempt to use the product to prevent or treat COVID-19. Many who have done so have ended up in the hospital due to the use of the product. 

The FDA, which has warned against that use of the product for months, put it this way on Twitter: “You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y'all. Stop it.”