Pro and cons of targeted selective treatment against digestive-tract strongyles of ruminants

Parasite. 2008 Sep;15(3):506-9. doi: 10.1051/parasite/2008153506.

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of resistance to anthelmintics among gastrointestinal nematodes and the desire for lower input agriculture have promoted the idea that targeted selective treatment (treating the animals in need of such a treatment and only them) could be a sustainable solution for controlling internal parasites of ruminants. The pros are the slowing of resistance prevalence, lower residues of anthelmintics in meat and milk, and lower cost; the cons are the difficulty and time spent on selecting animals in need of treatment and the possibility of lower production. Using actual experiments and modelling we show that targeted selective treatment can be used to sustainably control gastrointestinal nematode infections in flock.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antinematodal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Decision Making
  • Drug Residues / analysis
  • Drug Resistance
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Nematoda / drug effects*
  • Nematoda / growth & development
  • Nematode Infections / drug therapy
  • Nematode Infections / parasitology
  • Nematode Infections / veterinary*
  • Parasite Egg Count
  • Risk Assessment
  • Ruminants*

Substances

  • Antinematodal Agents