The Science Behind Alternative Endoparasite Control Strategies for Small Ruminants

摘要

Gastrointestinal nematode parasites are the primary health threat on many small ruminant farms, especially in temperate parts of the world. Management of extremely pathogenic nematodes such as Haemonchus contortus has become increasingly difficult over the past 15 years as a result of multi-drug anthelmintic resistance, which continues to increase in both prevalence and magnitude. Total anthelmintic resistance is already a reality on many sheep and goat farms, and ever more farms are down to their last working anthelmintic. Consequently, non-pharmaceutical management practices, and use of alternative treatments that minimize parasitic burdens in sheep and goats have become an important area of research. The science supporting use of alternative control methods such as copper oxide wire particles, the condensed tannins found in Sericea lespedeza, and Haemonchus contortus vaccination will be reviewed.