Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep is a significant challenge for production with implications for animal health and welfare, and lamb growth. Flocks rely on the chemical control of worm burdens,...
Highlights
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection and associated parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) is arguably one of the biggest challenges for British sheep production, costing an estimated £84 million per annum to the industry (Nieuwhof and Bishop, 2005)
anthelmintic resistant PGE are a significant threat to the productivity of commercial sheep flocks
veterinary surgeons have a central role in its management
Summary
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection and associated parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) is arguably one of the biggest challenges for British sheep production, costing an estimated £84 million per annum to the industry (Nieuwhof and Bishop, 2005). It is hoped that headline figures showing extremely high prevalence of AR (Box 1) will drive home the message that this is not something that happens to ‘other farmers’; that AR is widespread; and, despite the fact that it may not be causing visible reductions in productivity on most farms, sustainable use of anthelmintics is required to preserve their efficacy and prevent deterioration to the point where performance and welfare are compromised. Resistance is currently defined as a post-treatment faecal egg count (FEC) reduction of less than 95% (see Coles et al, 1992 for protocol) but clinically obvious failure, i.e. poor resolution of clinical signs post treatment, will only become apparent when treatment efficacy is less than 85% (Abbott et al, 2012), by which point anthelmintic performance is severely compromised, with little chance of preserving useful efficacy of that drug class. The true prevalence of AR in the UK is unknown, but some regional surveys are available (see table below)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
