Epidemiology and Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Cattle in Southern Climates

Control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) can have both economic and health benefits for cattle operations in the southern United States. In the past several decades, GIN control has relied almost exclusively on the use of anthelmintics. With the increase in anthelmintic resistance new strategies must be developed. Anthelmintic use should be minimized by integrating grazing management and a good herd health program into GIN control programs. This takes knowledge of GIN biology and epidemiology in the region (climate and weather) combined with specific information from the ranch.