Perceptions on anthelmintic use and resistance development in goats under communal production systems

For decades, farmers relied on anthelmintic drug treatments to control gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections, which has led to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR). The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions of communal goat farmers regarding anthelmintic resistance in communal goat flocks. A structured, close-ended questionnaire was used to carry out face-to-face interviews with communal goat farmers (n = 384) across four local municipalities in the uMkhanyakude district. The results showed that elderly farmers were 1.4 times more likely to underdose compared to younger farmers (p < 0.05). Educated farmers were aware of the negative influence on AR development brought by using substandard drugs (p < 0.01) and repetitive use of one drug (p < 0.05). However, lack of professional veterinary assistance (p < 0.01) resulted in more than 65% of elderly farmers underdosing the anthelmintic drugs (p < 0.05) while 68% were using expired drugs (p < 0.05). Despite varying levels of education, most farmers treated goats only showing GIN infection signs (p < 0.05) in their flocks which can potentially delay the AR development. The elderly farmers are less likely to delay the development of AR due to their inability to adhere to the recognized principles of responsible and sustainable drug use. Despite reasonable awareness of AR as a problem in their flocks, communal farmers proved to have poor perceptions regarding the development of AR. This was attributed to old age, illiteracy and under dosing. Engaging veterinarians, farmers and animal health technicians could achieve sustainable management of GIN infections.