Restrictions of anthelmintic usage: perspectives and potential consequences
1Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. mkn@life.ku.dk.
Parasites & Vectors
|September 26, 2009
Summary
Anthelmintic resistance in horses necessitates sustainable parasite control strategies. Prescription-only anthelmintics in Denmark involve veterinarians but require more research on resistance and disease risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Equine Health
- Anthelmintic Resistance
Background:
- Increasing anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites necessitates a shift from traditional treatments.
- Current equine parasite control often relies on outdated recommendations, ignoring selective therapy principles.
- Veterinary involvement is crucial for informed, sustainable parasite management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current equine anthelmintic strategies and recommendations.
- To present preliminary experiences with prescription-only anthelmintic legislation in Denmark.
- To identify research needs for evaluating the impact of such legislation on parasite control.
Main Methods:
- Review of current anthelmintic strategies and control recommendations.
- Presentation of preliminary data and experiences from Denmark's prescription-only legislation.
- Discussion of research gaps concerning diagnostic tools and resistance monitoring.
Main Results:
- Selective therapy principles are not widely implemented despite recommendations.
- Denmark's prescription-only legislation has increased veterinary involvement in equine parasite management.
- The impact of these restrictions on anthelmintic resistance and disease risk remains largely unknown.
Conclusions:
- Sustainable parasite control requires updated strategies and veterinary expertise.
- Prescription-only anthelmintics represent a significant policy shift with potential benefits and unknown consequences.
- Further research is essential to evaluate diagnostic methods and the long-term effects of restricted anthelmintic use.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Anthelminthic Agents
Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...
01:21Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
01:26Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses
Antimuscarinic drugs have various therapeutic applications by inhibiting parasympathetic stimulation in different systems. Here are the key therapeutic uses of antimuscarinics:
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal secretions in common...
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal secretions in common...
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...
01:27Effects of Chemicals: Overview
Drugs, encompassing various chemical compounds from natural sources, lab synthesis, or genetic engineering, elicit different biological responses in living organisms. Some of these responses are desirable or therapeutic, while others are undesirable. The primary goal of administering a drug is to achieve a therapeutic effect, that is, to address a specific disease or health condition. Any concurrent effects outside of this therapeutic outcome are considered undesirable. These undesirable...
01:25Drug Regulation
Drug regulation encompasses the management of drug usage by evaluating its safety and efficacy through assessments conducted by regulatory authorities. Regrettably, the history of drug regulation is marred by several catastrophic events. One such incident is the Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy, in which the toxic compound diethyl glycol was included in a sweet-tasting medication, leading to numerous fatalities. This event prompted the enactment of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Under...