Parasite control on dairy farms: Providing the right advice

Authors: Bullen S
Publication: Proceedings of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conferences, Volume 2014 AVA Annual Conference, Perth, Issue Cattle, May 2014
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

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Abstract: Gastrointestinal nematode parasitism is one of the most production limiting diseases of pasture-based livestock industries in the temperate, high-rainfall areas of Australia. The introduction of the first broad-spectrum, low-toxicity anthelmintic thiabendazole in 1961 saw a new-era of parasite control and modern anthelmintics now form the cornerstone of parasite control on pasture-based dairy farms worldwide. Heavy reliance upon anthelmintics in beef cattle and other livestock industries has led to widespread reports of anthelmintic resistance in most economically important parasite species. Preliminary results from a study currently underway indicate that there is also a very high level of anthelmintic resistance on Victorian dairy farms; but the industry presents unique challenges with regard to implementing sustainable parasite control (S.L. Bullen, unpublished).

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