Targeted selective treatment for worm management--how do we sell rational programs to farmers?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Animal Science
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes is a growing global concern for small ruminant health.
• Sustainable Integrated Parasite Management (sIPM) offers alternatives to conventional anthelmintic treatments.
• The concept of refugia is central to sIPM, aiming to slow resistance development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the principles and practical application of refugia-based strategies in small ruminant parasite management.
• To highlight methods for identifying parasite-susceptible animals within a flock or herd.
• To emphasize the need for accessible communication tools to facilitate sIPM adoption.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the FAMACHA((c)) system for clinical assessment of anemia due to haemonchosis.
• Employing milk yields as an indicator of nematode infection in dairy goats.
• Considering short-term weight changes and body condition scoring for parasitism assessment.

Main Results:

• Refugia-based approaches can delay anthelmintic resistance while maintaining parasite control.
• Targeted treatment of susceptible animals, identified by clinical signs or production parameters, is feasible.
• Existing methods like FAMACHA((c)) and milk yield monitoring aid in identifying at-risk animals.

Conclusions:

• sIPM and refugia-based strategies are crucial for sustainable worm control in small ruminants.
• Effective implementation requires farmer understanding and accessible decision-support tools.
• Computer-based decision support programs are vital for the future of sIPM adoption and efficacy.