Anthelmintic use on Saskatchewan pig farms: results from a postal survey

A postal survey to determine anthelmintic use in Saskatchewan was sent to 580 pig producers in March, 1996. Response rate was 33%. Of all respondents, 76% treated at least some animals. Sows were treated on 90% of farms, weanlings on 86%, boars on 75% and growers on 67%. Injectable treatment with a macrolide was used by more than half the producers. In-feed treatment, with a variety of anthelmintics, was less common and in-water treatment was used least often. The majority of respondents (62%) used a 'planned treatment program'. Although anthelmintic use was widespread, only 48% of producers felt there was a parasite problem on their farm. This was most often determined by the presence of adult worms in feces or poor performance of the pigs. Fecal testing and slaughter checks were used less commonly and primarily on the larger farms. Sources of product information included veterinarians (57%), feed companies (36%), and advertising (24%). Effectiveness (81%) and ease of use (66%) were the major reasons for choosing a particular product; price (16%) was least important. These findings are discussed in the context of current knowledge of the epidemiology of the important enteric nematodes of pigs.