Feature Review Series on Improved control of nematode infections in sheep û can science help?

Authors: Buddle BM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 49, Issue 6, pp 212, Dec 2001
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Anthelmintics, Parasite control, Parasites - internal, Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Breed/breeding, Diet/rations/food, Epidemiology, Nutrition/metabolism, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Editorial

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Abstract: Over recent decades in New Zealand there has been pressure on farmers to maximise sheep production which has lead to an increasing reliance on the use of anthelmintics to control nematode infections. This has provided the opportunity for the development of nematode strains that are resistant to modern broad-spectrum anthelmintics. Indeed, detectable levels of resistance to one or more chemical classes of anthelmintic have now been identified on a large proportion of sheep farms in this country, and this is likely to have an adverse effect on livestock productivity. Furthermore, consumer-led pressure is now being exerted on livestock producers to reduce the use of chemicals on farms and residues of anthelmintics in animal products could be used as a non-tariff trade barrier to reduce access of New Zealand products to overseas markets. The intensive use of anthelmintics has also led to the retention of animals that would previously have been culled for high susceptibility to nematode infections, perpetuating the need for frequent drenching. New strategies are urgently required to reduce dependence on the use of anthelmintics for the control of nematodes infections in our pastoral livestock industries.

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