Approaches to the control of fasciolosis in ruminants

Abstract

Approaches to the control of fasciolosis in ruminants are compared for developed countries, and for developing countries with particular reference to regions growting irrigated rice. In all environments problem definition and investigation are based on one or more of observation, abattoir surveys, faecal egg counts, tracer animals and snail studies. In developed countries each husbandman grazes a large number of animals, controls access to pasture and water, and markets high value products. Strategic and tactical treatments control fasciolosis in these circumstances and will continue to do so while anthelmintics remain effective. In many developing countries subsistence families possess small numbers of animals, feed and water sources are shared by many families, and the products are mainly draft power, fertiliser and meat for local consumption. Consequently the agricultural cycle, and the life cycles of the parasite and intermediate host, are closely interrelated and there is some scope for controlling infection by modifying husbandry practices. Anthelmintics are not affordable. Recent observations of a major fasciola resistance gene with substantial dominance, in Indonesian Thin Tail sheep infected with Fasciola gigantica, suggest that parasite control by breed substitution, or cross-breeding and selection, is feasible. Such control would be inexpensive to implement, and sustainable.