An inconvenient truth: global worming and anthelmintic resistance

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Anthelmintic Resistance
• Livestock Health

Background:

• Anthelmintic resistance in livestock parasites has rapidly increased globally over the last 10-15 years.
• Resistance to multiple drugs in various parasite species and livestock hosts is increasingly common.
• Limited development of novel anthelmintic drug classes since ivermectin (1981) leaves producers with few treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the escalating challenge of anthelmintic resistance in livestock.
• To emphasize the need for a paradigm shift in parasite control strategies.
• To advocate for improved diagnostic methods for anthelmintic resistance, particularly the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT).

Main Methods:

• Review of the current state of anthelmintic resistance prevalence and magnitude.
• Analysis of the limitations in diagnosing anthelmintic resistance, focusing on FECRT.
• Discussion of the implications of inadequate diagnostic standards for livestock producers and researchers.

Main Results:

• Widespread anthelmintic resistance poses a significant threat to livestock production worldwide.
• Lack of standardized diagnostic protocols, especially for FECRT in horses and cattle, leads to inaccurate resistance assessments.
• The development of new anthelmintic drugs is slow and expensive, exacerbating the treatment challenges.

Conclusions:

• A new approach to parasite control is essential for the sustainability of livestock production.
• Standardization of FECRT methodology and data analysis is critical for accurate diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance.
• Early and precise diagnosis of resistance is crucial for effective management as new drugs become available.