Practices to optimise gastrointestinal nematode control on sheep, goat and cattle farms in Europe using targeted (selective) treatments. (13th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charlier, J.; Morgan, E. R.; Rinaldi, L.; van Dijk, J.; Demeler, J.; Höglund, J.; Hertzberg, H.; Ranst, B. Van; Hendrickx, G.; Vercruysse, J.; Kenyon, F.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary record. Volume 175:Number 10(2014)
• Page Start: 250
• Page End: 255
• Publication Date: 2014-09-13
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Veterinary medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Periodicals; Periodical; Electronic journals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1136/vr.102512
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-4900

Abstract

Abstract : Due to the development of anthelmintic resistance, there have been calls for more sustainable nematode control practices. Two important concepts were introduced to study and promote the sustainable use of anthelmintics: targeted treatments (TT), where the whole flock/herd is treated based on knowledge of the risk, or parameters that quantify the severity of infection; and targeted selective treatments (TST), where only individual animals within the grazing group are treated. The aim of the TT and TST approaches is to effectively control nematode‐induced production impacts while preserving anthelmintic efficacy by maintaining a pool of untreated parasites in refugia. Here, we provide an overview of recent studies that assess the use of TT/TST against gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants and investigate the economic consequences, feasibility and knowledge gaps associated with TST. We conclude that TT/TST approaches are ready to be used and provide practical benefits today. However, a major shift in mentality will be required to make these approaches common practice in parasite control.