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Cattle nematodes resistant to anthelmintics: why so few cases?
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, UK. gerald.c.coles@bristol.ac.uk
Veterinary Research
|October 22, 2002
Summary
Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes appears low due to management practices and limited resistance surveys. However, specific systems like dairy replacements risk resistance, necessitating monitoring and new testing methods.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Animal Health
- Sustainable Agriculture
Background:
- Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes is a growing concern globally.
- Current management systems often mask the true prevalence of resistance.
- Limited surveys and refugia populations contribute to the apparent lack of resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors contributing to the apparent lack of anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes.
- To highlight the risks of resistance in specific cattle management systems.
- To emphasize the need for improved resistance monitoring and testing.
Main Methods:
- Review of current cattle management systems and their impact on anthelmintic exposure.
- Analysis of factors influencing nematode refugia in different grazing systems.
- Identification of knowledge gaps in anthelmintic resistance prevalence.
Main Results:
- Extensive grazing and suckler herds utilize refugia, reducing anthelmintic treatment exposure.
- Dairy replacement heifers face higher resistance risks without strategic management.
- Intensive beef production on pasture is unsustainable, with resistance already a problem in New Zealand.
Conclusions:
- Apparent low resistance is an artifact of management and lack of testing.
- Targeted treatment and pasture rotation are crucial for dairy replacements.
- Farm-specific monitoring and validated tests are essential to understand and manage bovine nematode resistance.