Anthelminthic Veterinary Medicines Interactions with the Soil Microbiota

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Anthelmintics (AHs) are crucial for controlling gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in livestock.
• AHs are excreted and enter soils via animal dung or manure application.
• Environmental research has largely ignored AHs' effects on soil microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on anthelmintic interactions with soil (micro) biota.
• To highlight evidence of AH toxicity to soil microorganisms.
• To discuss findings within the context of veterinary medicine environmental risk assessment (ERA).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on AHs and soil microbiota.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding AH toxicity to soil microorganisms.
• Analysis of current ERA frameworks for veterinary medicines.

Main Results:

• Anthelmintics can negatively impact soil microbial communities.
• Specific AHs have demonstrated toxicity towards various soil microorganisms.
• Existing environmental risk assessments may not fully capture these microbial impacts.

Conclusions:

• The impact of AHs on soil microbiota is a significant environmental concern.
• Further research is needed to understand the full ecological consequences of AHs in soil.
• ERA for veterinary medicines should incorporate soil microbial toxicity data.