Abstract
Biological control of parasitic nematodes of livestock is currently under development and represents another tool that may be integrated into helminth parasite control strategies. This paper presents a brief introduction to commercial sheep farming in South Africa and currently available nematode parasite control methods. These include the FAMACHA clinical assay, strategies of pasture management, dilution of resistant worm species by introduction of susceptible worms, breed resistant sheep and nutritional supplementation. The purpose of this paper is to outline the principles of biological control using nematophagous fungi and how it may be applied on sheep farms in South Africa.
Highlights
Sheep farming in South Africa is predominantly an extensive enterprise and comprises approximately 29.2 million sheep[1]
Another tool that may be available to farmers in the near future is the application of biological control using the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans
This study demonstrated that D. flagrans is effective in warm climates in reducing the contamination of pastures with infective larvae
Summary
Sheep farming in South Africa is predominantly an extensive enterprise and comprises approximately 29.2 million sheep[1]. Sheep farming is concentrated mainly in the Northern and Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State and Mpumalunga provinces[1]. The Western Cape represents the winter rainfall area of South Africa and is divided into 5 subregions: North West, Swartland, Boland, South Coast and little Karoo[7]. The predominant sheep breed is fine-woolled Merinos (50 %), the remaining breeds being locally developed Afrina and Letelle (woolled mutton breeds adapted to arid conditions), Döhne Merino, Merino land sheep and Dorper[1]. Mutton breeds of sheep are found mainly in the more arid areas, while dual-purpose breeds and pure wool breeds occur in the relatively higher-potential areas[7]. Animal production on irrigated areas is not confined to specific regions, whereas quick rotation systems of grazing are normally applied to irrigated pastures
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