Anthelmintic intoxication in goats and sheep: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Anthelmintic drug use is vital for controlling parasitic infections in small ruminants.
• Intoxication cases highlight potential risks associated with these essential medications.
• A comprehensive literature review is needed to understand intoxication patterns in sheep and goats.

Approach:

• Systematic literature search across five major electronic databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO).
• Utilized specific search terms combining anthelmintic classes, toxicity indicators, and target species (sheep, goats).
• Screened 2361 articles, reviewed 115 full texts, and included 28 for systematic review.

Key Points:

• Closantel was the most frequently reported drug linked to intoxication (14 reports).
• Intoxication primarily affected the nervous, locomotor, and renal systems, with teratogenic effects also noted.
• Twelve different anthelmintic drugs were identified in intoxication reports across 16 sheep studies, 9 goat studies, and 3 mixed-species studies.

Conclusions:

• The review identifies specific anthelmintics and associated clinical signs of intoxication in sheep and goats.
• Emphasizes the critical need for careful drug administration and dosage monitoring to prevent adverse events.
• Highlights the importance of safe antiparasitic drug use in veterinary practice to ensure animal health and welfare.