Nematode Control Programs Research Articles

Impact of Ecological Friendly Treatments on Meloidogyne incognita Infected Ground Cherry

The main efforts of scientists to reduce appliance of nematicides that are commonly found in the markets, led to an increase in the demand safety, effective and environment friendly alternatives. Hence, the present ​​research aims to test three safety and effective substances (Potassium silicate; Furfural and Albendazole) single or in combination in the control of root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne incognita infecting ground cherry plants (Physalis pruinosa L.) under field conditions. The obtained results revealed that all tested materials decreased M. incognita J2 population density. Individual treatments gave average reduction percentages of M. incognita J2 as: Potassium silicate 39.4%; Furfural 55.9% and Albendazole 52.1%. The triple treatment (Potassium silicate + Furfural + Albendazole) gave the best results, as it led to decrease in the number of M. incognita J2 by 72.3% more than that occurred by the chemical nematicide (Oxamyl 24%), which gave a reduction percentage of 65.6%. The triple treatment also led to decrease in the numbers of mature females; egg masses and root gall index by 96.5, 95.4 and 83.3%, respectively, while the Oxamyl 24% gave 86.9, 90.5 and 83.3 %, respectively. In addition, the triple treatment caused improvement in the vegetative and fruiting characteristics of treated plants. Thus, triple treatments can be recommended as a safety alternative for plants and humans instead of chemical nematicides in integrated nematode control programs.

Gastrointestinal nematode control programs in yearling Nellore heifers: Analysis of fecal egg counts, weight gain and reproductive indices

The objective of this study was to evaluate two different gastrointestinal nematode treatment regimens. Fecal egg counts (FECs), proportion of nematode genera, weight gain, body condition score and reproductive indices (estrous cyclicity, conception and pregnancy rates) were evaluated in yearling heifers after imposing two treatment regimens for gastrointestinal nematodes: T1 = 306 calves treated in May and November with 3.5 % doramectin (700 μg/kg) and August (Aug) with saline solution; and T2 = 307 calves treated in May with 3.5 % doramectin (700 μg/kg), in August with 1% moxidectin (200 μg/kg) and in November with 3.5 % doramectin (700 μg/kg). The animals were weighed, and feces were collected for conducting FECs and coproculture. There was imposing of three fixed-time artificial inseminations (TAIs), and estrous cyclic and pregnancy statuses were determined. Cooperia was the most frequent genus detected in both groups. Heifers of the T2, as compared to those in the T1 group, had fewer FECs in November (P ≤ 0.05) and greater weight gain and average daily weight gain (P ≤ 0.05) from August to November. There tended to be more heifers of the T2 than T1 group estrous cycling (P = 0.07) at the beginning of the breeding season as well as greater pregnancy rates (P = 0.03) and conception rates (P = 0.03) as a result of the second FTAI. The results indicate there is greater reproduction outcomes as a result of strategic control of gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling Nellore heifers using the T1 as compared with T2 treatment regimen.

Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes in the US

The first documented case of macrocyclic lactone resistance in gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes of cattle was seen in the US approximately 10 years ago. Since that time the increase incidence of anthelmintic resistance has continued at an alarming rate. Currently parasites of the genera Cooperia and/or Haemonchus resistant to generic or brand-name macrocyclic lactones have be demonstrated in more than half of all operations examined. Both of these parasite genera are capable of causing economic losses by decreasing food intake and subsequently animal productivity. Currently, there are no easy and quick means to detect anthelmintic resistant GI nematodes. Definitive identification requires killing of cattle. The most commonly used field detection method is the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). This method can be adapted for use as a screening agent for Veterinarians and producers to identify less than desired clearance of the parasites after anthelmintic treatment. Further studies can then define the reasons for persistence of the egg counts. The appearance of anthelmintic resistance is largely due to the development of very effective nematode control programs that have significantly improved the productivity of the US cattle industry, but at the same time has placed a high level of selective pressure on the parasite genome. The challenges ahead include the development of programs that control the anthelmintic resistant nematodes but at the same time result in more sustainable parasite control. The goal is to maintain high levels of productivity but to exert less selective pressures on the parasites. One of the most effective means to slow the development of drug resistance is through the simultaneous use of multiple classes of anthelmintics, each of which has a different mode of action. Reduction of the selective pressure on the parasites can be attained through a more targeted approach to drug treatments where the producer's needs are met by selective treatment of different classes of animals and not by blanket treatment at a location. The implementation of such programs will vary by the sector of the industry and the individual site. In general, the feedlot will be the easiest sector for developing of programs, while stocker/backgrounder operations will provide the most challenging problems. A major question that must be addressed is whether it is important that parasite control programs to be sustainable over time, or if the pharmaceutical industry develop new control agents at a rate sufficient to render sustainability unimportant.

The effects of climate change on ovine parasitic gastroenteritis determined using veterinary surveillance and meteorological data for Northern Ireland over the period 1999–2009

While the influence of temperature and moisture on the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes have been described in detail, and evidence for global climate change is mounting, there have been only a few attempts to relate altered incidence or seasonal patterns of disease to climate change. Studies of this type have been completed for England Scotland and Wales, but not for Northern Ireland (NI). Here we present an analysis of veterinary diagnostic data that relates three categories of gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep to historical meteorological data for NI. The infections are: trichostrongylosis/teladorsagiosis (Teladorsagia/Trichostrongylus), strongyloidosis and nematodirosis. This study aims to provide a baseline for future climate change analyses and to provide basic information for the development of nematode control programmes. After identifying and evaluating possible sources of bias, climate change was found to be the most likely explanation for the observed patterns of change in parasite epidemiology, although other hypotheses could not be refuted. Seasonal rates of diagnosis showed a uniform year-round distribution for Teladorsagia and Trichostrongylus infections, suggesting consistent levels of larval survival throughout the year and extension of the traditionally expected seasonal transmission windows. Nematodirosis showed a higher level of autumn than Spring infection, suggesting that suitable conditions for egg and larval development occurred after the Spring infection period. Differences between regions within the Province were shown for strongyloidosis, with peaks of infection falling in the period September–November. For all three-infection categories (trichostrongylosis/teladorsagiosis, strongyloidosis and nematodirosis), significant differences in the rates of diagnosis, and in the seasonality of disease, were identified between regions.

Field efficacy and safety of an oral formulation of the novel combination anthelmintic, derquantel-abamectin, in sheep in New Zealand

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the novel anthelmintic combination, derquantel-abamectin, against gastrointestinal nematode populations in sheep, under field-use conditions. METHODS: Controlled faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) were conducted in New Zealand in 14 trials, covering a range of geographic locations, farming enterprises, breeds, nematode populations, and anthelmintic-resistance profiles. Enrolled animals were naturally infected with mixed populations of gastrointestinal nematodes. All trials included a group treated with derquantel-abamectin, and a negative control group. Nine trials included additional groups each treated with a single- or dual-active oral reference anthelmintic, selected from albendazole, levamisole, albendazole-levamisole, ivermectin, abamectin and moxidectin. A total of 838 animals were enrolled across all trials, and were randomly allocated to treatment groups within blocks defined by faecal nematode egg counts (FEC) pretreatment. On Day 0 derquantel-abamectin was administered orally at 1 ml/5 kg bodyweight (2 mg/kg derquantel, 0.2 mg/kg abamectin), and each reference anthelmintic was given at the recommended label dose. Faecal samples were collected on Day 14 (± 1 day), to determine the percentage reduction in mean FEC for each anthelmintic tested. Larval differentiation was also performed post-treatment, to estimate efficacy at the genus level. Animals were weighed on or before Day 0, and on Day 14 (± 1 day) in 13 trials. RESULTS: The efficacy of derquantel-abamectin against mixed strongyle populations was ≥99.2%, based on the percentage reduction in geometric mean FEC. Nematodirus sp. was present in six trials at a level sufficient for efficacy calculations to be conducted; in all cases, the efficacy of derquantel-abamectin was 100%. In those trials where the efficacy of at least one reference anthelmintic was <95% against strongyles and/or Nematodirus sp., derquantel-abamectin was 100% effective. In five trials, the mean gain in bodyweight was significantly greater in the derquantel-abamectin group than the negative controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When administered orally at 1 ml/5 kg bodyweight, derquantel-abamectin is highly effective for the treatment of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep, including populations of strongyles and Nematodirus sp. with resistance to one or more single- or dualactive anthelmintics. Derquantel-abamectin presents sheep producers with a unique opportunity to introduce a new class of anthelmintic to their nematode control programmes, with the added benefits offered by a combination anthelmintic.

Equine parasites: diagnosis and control - a current perspective

Equine parasites: diagnosis and control - a current perspective

An update on cyathostomins: Anthelmintic resistance and worm control

SummaryIntestinal nematodes are an important cause of equine disease. Of these parasites, the Cyathostominae are the most important group, both in terms of their prevalence and their pathogenicity. Cyathostomin infections are complex and control is further complicated by ever‐increasing levels of resistance to some of the commonly used anthelmintics. There are no new equine anthelmintics under development, so it is imperative that the efficacy of any currently‐effective drug classes be maintained for as long as possible.It is believed that the proportion of refugia (i.e. the percentage of parasites not exposed to a drug at each treatment) is one of the most crucial factors in determining the rate at which anthelmintic resistance develops. It is important, therefore, that levels of refugia be taken into account when designing nematode control programmes for horses. This can be assisted by knowledge of the local epidemiology of the infection, supplemented by faecal egg count analysis to identify those animals that are making the major contribution to pasture contamination. This type of rational nematode control requires equine veterinary surgeons to get involved in designing and implementing deworming programmes. The advice given must be based on a combination of knowledge of cyathostomin biology and epidemiology as well as an awareness of the parasite population's current drug sensitivity and a sound history of husbandry at the establishment.As anthelmintic resistance will be the major constraint on the future control of cyathostomins, researchers are now actively investigating this area. Studies are underway to develop tests that will enable earlier detection of anthelmintic resistance and an assay that will help identify those horses that require anthelmintic treatments targeted at intestinal wall larvae.

Effects of an algal biomass supplement on the periparturient rise in nematode egg output from ewes and the subsequent effects on their offspring

The periparturient rise in nematode eggs at lambing is a crucial part of the epidemiology of nematode infections as it allows a large number of infective larvae to be present in the pastures when the lamb is young and most immunologically naïve. With a rapidly rising level of anthelmintic resistance and increasing public concern over drug residues remaining in animal products, it is necessary to achieve more long-term, sustainable nematode control programmes. Some plant products could provide alternatives or adjuncts to conventional control with anthelmintics and ease the selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance. The polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can be produced in high concentrations by some marine algae, has been shown to modify immune response in many species and decrease the production of proinflammatory cytokines (Calder, 2001). This action could reduce inflammation in the gut in response to parasite infestation and reduce the extent of associated hypophagia. The objective of this study was to investigate the long term effects of providing an algal DHA dietary supplement in late pregnancy, on the periparturient rise and the resulting effects on the infection levels and production consequences for their lambs.

Suppressive treatment of abamectin against Dictyocaulus viviparus and the occurrence of resistance in first-grazing-season calves

Dictyocaulus viviparus cause severe lung infections and are endemic in some areas of temperate and tropical countries. Treatment is based on strategic nematode control programs using potent compounds with no reports of drug failure. Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are available at different concentrations and combinations and have being used heavily by producers. The objective of this work was to determine the efficacy of the MLs ivermectin, moxidectin, doramectin, and abamectin, and the combination ivermectin plus abamectin in naturally infected calves ( n = 70). Initial infection was determined by necropsy of tracer animals. Faecal larval counts determined that none of the compounds used was able to eliminate D. viviparus for up to 28 days after treatment. The “Area Nova” strain was isolated for future work.

Validation of the FAMACHA © eye color chart for detecting clinical anemia in sheep and goats on farms in the southern United States

Recent studies on sheep and goat farms in the southern United States indicate that multiple-anthelmintic resistance in Haemonchus contortus is becoming a severe problem. Though many factors are involved in the evolution of resistance, the proportion of the parasite population under drug selection is believed to be the single most important factor influencing how rapidly resistance develops. Therefore, where prevention of resistance is an important parallel goal of worm control, it is recommended to leave a portion of the animals untreated. Recently, a novel system called FAMACHA © was developed in South Africa, which enables clinical identification of anemic sheep and goats. When H. contortus is the primary parasitic pathogen, this system can be applied on the farm level to reduce the number of treatments administered, thereby increasing the proportion of the worm population in refugia. Since most studies validating the FAMACHA © method have been performed in South Africa, it is important that the method be tested in other regions before its use is broadly recommended. We performed a validation study of FAMACHA © by testing the system in sheep ( n = 847) and goats ( n = 537) of various breeds and ages from 39 farms located in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, and the US Virgin Islands. The color of the ocular conjunctiva of all animals were scored on a 1–5 scale using the FAMACHA © card, and blood samples were collected from each animal for determination of packed cell volume (PCV). Fecal samples were also collected from a majority of the animals tested for performance of fecal egg counts (FEC). Correlations between PCV and eye scores, PCV and FEC, and FEC and eye scores were all highly significant for both sheep and goats ( P < 0.001). Data for both FAMACHA © scores and PCV were evaluated using two separate criteria for anemia: eye score values of 3, 4 and 5 or 4 and 5, and PCV values of ≤19 or ≤15 were considered anemic. Specificity was maximized when eye score values of 4 and 5 were considered anemic and PCV cut off for anemia was ≤19, but sensitivity was low. In contrast, sensitivity was 100% for both sheep and goats when eye score values of 3, 4 and 5 were considered anemic and PCV cut off was ≤15, but specificity was low. In both sheep and goats, predictive value of a negative was greater than 92% for all anemia and eye score categories, and was greater than 99% for both eye score categories when an anemia cutoff of ≤15 was used. Predictive value of a positive test was low under all criteria indicating that many non-anemic animals would be treated using this system. However, compared to conventional dosing practices where all animals are treated, a large proportion of animals would still be left untreated. These data indicate that the FAMACHA © method is an extremely useful tool for identifying anemic sheep and goats in the southern US and US Virgin Islands. However, further studies are required to determine optimal strategies for incorporating FAMACHA ©-based selective treatment protocols into integrated nematode control programs.

Evaluation of Duddingtonia flagrans in reducing infective larvae of Haemonchus contortus in feces of sheep

Consequences of nematode infections due to Haemonchus contortus are a serious constraint for the sheep industry worldwide. Development of anthelmintic resistance and increasing concern about the impact of anthelmintic use dictate the need of alternative control. Such an alternative is using the nematode trapping fungus Duddingtonia flagrans to reduce infective larvae levels on pasture. Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of D. flagrans in reducing infective larvae (predominantly H. contortus) in feces. The first trial determined the dose effect of D. flagrans in reducing infective larvae in feces. Eighteen ewes were dewormed to remove existing infections and randomly assigned to six treatment groups: 5×10 4, 1×10 5, 2.5×10 5, 5×10 5, 1×10 6 or no (control) spores of D. flagrans per kg of body weight mixed in their feed for 7 days. Fecal samples were collected daily from these and from infected donor ewes. Feces from individual-treated ewes were mixed with equal amounts of donor ewe feces, theoretically approximating oral dose spore concentrations of 2.5×10 4, 5×10 4, 1.25×10 5, 2.5×10 5, 5×10 5 and no spores, and were cultured. Across dosages and during the 7 days of fungus feeding, percent reduction of infective larvae ranged from 76.6 to 100.0%. The second trial determined the effect of D. flagrans at the dose of 10 5 spores per kg body weight on reducing infective larvae in feces from naturally infected lambs. Twenty lambs were randomly assigned to either treatment or control groups based on fecal egg count. Treatment lambs were fed spores mixed in feed for 7 days. Feces were collected daily and cultured. During the 7 days of fungus feeding, the percent reduction of infective larvae ranged from 82.8 to 99.7%. Results of these trials demonstrated that the nematode trapping fungus D. flagrans was highly effective in reducing infective larvae in sheep feces and should be considered as a biological control agent for integrated nematode control programs.

Epidemiologic Method to Determine Losses Associated with Subclinical Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Yearling Cattle

In many northern regions of the United States, gastrointestinal nematode infections are largely subclinical, with relatively few cases of clinical disease. At subclinical levels the effects of nematodes are less apparent but lead to decreased rates of production and decreased immunity to various infectious diseases. Subclinical burdens may make it difficult for producers to recognize the loss, and the need to control these parasites. A convenient method to measure subclinical losses under actual herd production conditions is needed to enhance producers' ability to evaluate the cost-benefit of nematode control programs. The objective of this project was to evaluate an epidemiologic-based methodology, which measures losses due to subclinical gastrointestinal nematode infections in yearling cattle on a single pasture.

Model predictions for anthelmintic resistance amongst Haemonchus cortortus populations in southern Brazil

A computer model developed to study Ostertagia circumcincta resistance to anthelmintics in UK sheep flocks has been adapted for use with Haemonchus contortus under southern Brazilian conditions. The model simulates the effect of different anthelmintic control regimens on the year-to-year pattern of resistance in breeding ewes. The nematode control regimen most used by Brazilian sheep farmers was found to increase the frequency of genes which confer resistance from approximately 3% to 14% in an H. contortus population over a 20 year period. The effect of early versus late season anthelmintic treatment was investigated. This indicated that early season treatment would select for resistance rapidly, whereas late season treatments would not, owing to large numbers of untreated parasites accumulating at the beginning of the season. A model which can predict the development of anthelmintic resistance in parasites of ewes is a valuable tool in the understanding of the effect of different strategies on nematode control programmes and merits further consideration.

Control strategies to prevent resistance

Anthelmintics will continue to play a central role in nematode control programs of livestock for the foreseeable future. However, to prevent the emergence of resistance, anthelmintics need to be either so effective that there are no survivors following treatment or treatment should be so infrequent that those that survive make little or no contribution to subsequent generations of the parasite populations. In this regard, the record for the sheep, horse and particularly the goat industry is not good, whereas the second factor is almost certainly responsible for the lack of a significant resistance problem in the cattle industry. In Australia, where high levels of resistance prevail, control programs designed to limit the increase and spread of resistance have been promoted for some time. However, their development, and certainly their implementation, has tended to be reactive rather than proactive — attempting to deal with the problem when it threatens future productivity, rather than preventing it in the first instance. Regions and/or livestock industries with relatively less of a resistance problem should heed these developments and endeavour to establish a responsible ethos amongst users of anthelmintics. In concert with the general philosophy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), parasite control schemes should focus on the planned integration of a range of techniques, rather than relying almost entirely on anthelmintics. By these means, sustainable control strategies to prevent resistance could be achieved.

The Importance of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes to Australian and New Zealand Agriculture.

The most important nematode problems in Australia and New Zealand are reviewed, several potentially serious new nematode problems are discussed and estimates of losses caused by nematodes are provided. Numerous economically important species occur in Australia, but the most damaging nematodes include Meloidogyne spp., which are major pests of a wide range of fruit, vegetable, ornamental, field and pasture crops, the cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae, and Anguina funesta, the vector of annual ryegrass toxicity. Together with a number of less well-known nematodes, they cause losses to Australian agriculture that are estimated at more than $300 million per annum. In New Zealand, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida on potato and Heterodera trifolii and Meloidogyne hapla on white clover are possibly the most important species. The crisis in nematode control programs caused by the withdrawal of several widely used nematicides is discussed and the need for the development of more sustainable nematode management strategies is recognised. Options such as the use of nematode resistant cultivars and rootstocks, crop rotation, organic amendments and biological control are discussed and research priorities in plant nematology are considered.

A review of nematology research at the windward islands banana growers’ association

Abstract Nematology research at the Windward Islands Banana Growers’ Association (WINBAN) can be conveniently divided into past and present work. In the past, research consisted of inventories of nematode populations with information collected from surveys and diagnostic work involving inoculations and life cycle studies leading to nematode control possibilities and programmes. Presently emphasis is being placed on the improvement of control methods and studies of nematodes in relation to other microorganisms.

A model of the life cycle of sheep nematodes and the epidemiology of nematodiasis in sheep

A computer model (NEMAT) of the life cycle of sheep nematodes and of the epidemiology of nematodiasis in sheep was constructed. Its purpose is to predict the development of nematodiasis in weaner sheep and to determine optimum nematode control programmes. It has been developed for use in western Victoria, Australia, but it should also be of use in other localities. NEMAT simulates the growth of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne) and subterranean clover ( Trifolium subterraneum) pasture and weaner sheep and the development of populations of the sheep nematodes Ostertagia spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. The development and death rate parameters of the free-living stages of these nematodes were estimated by a direct search optimisation procedure specifically developed for this study. The death rates of the parasitic stages of Ostertagia spp. were determined in a field experiment and expressed as a function of the rate of infection and the time of exposure to infection. Other probability density functions and deterministic functions needed to complete the quantification of the sheep-nematode system were derived from published reports or personal communications. NEMAT was validated against data from two independent field experiments carried out in western Victoria. Predicted serial measurements of pasture availability, liveweights, total nematode counts, nematode eggs per gram of faeces and numbers of infective nematode larvae per hectare were compared with those actually observed. The predicted and observed measurements were subjectively similar and could not be differentiated statistically by spectral analysis. NEMAT was then used to evaluate some nematode control programmes in western Victoria. Using observed weather data, it simulated the continuous development of nematode populations during 1957–1976 on pastures set stocked on the 1st of January each year with recently drenched weaner sheep. If sheep were drenched in only one month of the year, the effect of this drench on liveweights and woolweights at the end of the year was greatest if it was given in February. There was a progressive decline in final liveweights and woolweights if it was given in subsequent months to December. If sheep were drenched in February and given a second drench in any one of the remaining months of the year, the effects of this second drench on final liveweights and woolweights was greatest if it was given at the autumn break. A drench in February and a drench and shift to ‘clean’ pasture (<10 4 nematode larvae per hectare) in July were always sufficient to limit the mean yearly effects of nematodiasis to 1 kg in liveweight and 0·1 kg in woolweight. When such a shift was not possible, a drench in February, another at the autumn break and 0–5 drenches in winter and spring were required to attain similar productivity. The number and timing of these drenches after the autumn break depended on the daily effects of weather on the nematode population and could be determined only by a model of the sheep-nematode system such as NEMAT.