Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on sheep farms in New Zealand

AIM: To establish the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes on sheep farms in New Zealand. METHODS: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted, using a standardised faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) test (FECRT) for ivermectin, at a full (0.2 mg/kg) and half (0.1 mg/kg) dose rate, and albendazole, levamisole and albendazole-levamisole in combination, on 60 lambs (n=10 per group) on farms selected from throughout New Zealand. Farms that conformed with selection criteria were chosen at random (n=80) or with a history of suspected resistance to macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintics (n=32). Resistance to an anthelmintic was inferred when there was <95% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment. Larval cultures were performed for all control groups and for treated groups for which resistance was evident. RESULTS: Of the farms randomly selected, 36% showed > or =95% FECR for all anthelmintics tested; resistance to ivermectin at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg liveweight was evident on 36% and 25% of these farms, respectively. Resistance to both ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) and levamisole was evident on 8/80 (10%) farms, to ivermectin and albendazole on 10/80 (13%) farms, and to ivermectin, levamisole and albendazole on 6/80 (8%) farms. The prevalence of resistance to a half dose of ivermectin tended to be more prevalent on farms with a history of suspected ML resistance (p=0.06). Resistance to albendazole was seen across all the main parasite genera, and to levamisole in Nematodirus, Ostertagia (= Teladorsagia) and Trichostrongylus species. Resistance to ivermectin was dominated by Ostertagia spp, although Cooperia, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylus species were also implicated. CONCLUSION: Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes of sheep is common in New Zealand. Not only was resistance to albendazole and levamisole common, but resistance to the ML, ivermectin, was at a higher prevalence than expected. Sheep farmers and advisors in New Zealand need to re-evaluate the way they manage parasites, and more research is urgently needed if the steady decline in anthelmintic susceptibility is to be halted.     

Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes in northwestern São Paulo State, Brazil

The present study was carried out in the northwestern region of S?o Paulo State, Brazil, to determine the anthelmintic resistance status in cattle naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. The anthelmintics tested were levamisole phosphate (Ripercol, Fort Dodge), albendazole sulphoxide (Ricobendazole, Fort Dodge), ivermectin (Ivomec, Merial) and moxidectin (Cydectin, Fort Dodge), administered at the doses recommended by the manufacturers. From April 2002 to May 2004, 25 cattle farms were evaluated. On each farm, steers were divided into treatment and control (not treated) groups based on fecal egg counts (FEC). Between 7 and 10 days after the anthelmintics administration, fecal samples were collected from each animal for post-treatment FEC. Fecal cultures from each group were also prepared for larval identification. After treatment, mean FEC reduction (FECR) in treatment groups (compared with control groups) was assessed on each farm. FECR was lower than 90% on 23 farms after ivermectin treatment. On 19 farms, FECR of 100% was recorded following moxidectin treatment; on the remaining 6, FECR ranged from 90% to 97.2%. After albendazole treatment, FECR was higher than 90% on 20 farms and ranged from 47.4% to 84.6% on other 5. After levamisole treatment, FECR was higher than 90% on 23 farms and equal to 47.4% and 73.7% on other 2 farms. Results indicated the presence of resistant Cooperia spp. and Haemonchus spp., especially to ivermectin; on some farms, resistance to albendazole and levamisole was also observed.     

Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on 62 beef cattle farms in the North Island of New Zealand

AIM: To establish the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes on a random sample of beef cattle herds in the North Island of New Zealand. METHODS: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted using a standardised faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) test (FECRT) for ivermectin, levamisole and albendazole on 60 calves on each of 62 farms in the North Island chosen at random from farms that conformed with the selection criteria. Resistance to an anthelmintic was inferred when there was <95% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment. Larval cultures were performed for all control groups and for treated groups for which resistance was evident. RESULTS: Of the farms that completed the FECRT, 4/61 (7%) showed > or =95% reduction in FEC for all anthelmintics tested. Resistance to ivermectin was evident on 56/61 (92%) farms, to albendazole on 47/62 (76%) farms, and to both ivermectin and albendazole on 45/61 (74%) farms. Resistance to levamisole was evident on only 4/62 (6%) farms. The parasites most prevalent in resistant populations cultured were Cooperia spp. On 45/61 (74%) farms where Cooperia spp were present in sufficient numbers, resistance to both ivermectin and albendazole was evident. No cases of levamisole-resistant Cooperia spp were detected. Resistance of Ostertagia spp to ivermectin was evident on 4/45 (9%) farms, to albendazole on 15/46 (35%) farms, and to levamisole on 4/46 (9%) farms. CONCLUSION: Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes of cattle is common in the North Island of New Zealand. Beef farmers need to be aware of the risks posed by anthelmintic resistance, and routine FECR testing is recommended to ensure optimal productivity and to guide decision-making when purchasing anthelmintics to be used on-farm.     

Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on 62 beef cattle farms in the North Island of New Zealand

AIM: To establish the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes on a random sample of beef cattle herds in the North Island of New Zealand.

METHODS: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted using a standardised faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) test (FECRT) for ivermectin, levamisole and albendazole on 60 calves on each of 62 farms in the North Island chosen at random from farms that conformed with the selection criteria. Resistance to an anthelmintic was inferred when there was <95% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment. Larval cultures were performed for all control groups and for treated groups for which resistance was evident.

RESULTS: Of the farms that completed the FECRT, 4/61 (7%) showed ≥95% reduction in FEC for all anthelmintics tested. Resistance to ivermectin was evident on 56/61 (92%) farms, to albendazole on 47/62 (76%) farms, and to both ivermectin and albendazole on 45/61 (74%) farms. Resistance to levamisole was evident on only 4/62 (6%) farms. The parasites most prevalent in resistant populations cultured were Cooperia spp. On 45/61 (74%) farms where Cooperia spp were present in suffi cient numbers, resistance to both ivermectin and albendazole was evident. No cases of levamisole-resistant Cooperia spp were detected. Resistance of Ostertagia spp to ivermectin was evident on 4/45 (9%) farms, to albendazole on 15/46 (35%) farms, and to levamisole on 4/46 (9%) farms.

CONCLUSION: Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes of cattle is common in the North Island of New Zealand. Beef farmers need to be aware of the risks posed by anthelmintic resistance, and routine FECR testing is recommended to ensure optimal productivity and to guide decision-making when purchasing anthelmintics to be used on-farm.     

Evaluation of prevalence and clinical implications of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes in goats

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of resistance to all anthelmintics that are commonly used to treat gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in goats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 777 goats. PROCEDURE: On each farm, goats were assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups: untreated controls, albendazole (20 mg/kg [9.0 mg/lb], p.o., once), ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg [0.18 mg/lb], p.o., once), levamisole (12 mg/kg [5.4 mg/lb], p.o., once), or moxidectin (0.4 mg/kg, p.o., once), except on 3 farms where albendazole was omitted. Fecal samples were collected 2 weeks after treatment for determination of fecal egg counts (FECs), and percentage reductions were calculated by comparing data from anthelmintic-treated and control groups. Nematode populations were categorized as susceptible, suspected resistant, or resistant by use of guidelines published by the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. RESULTS: Resistance to albendazole was found on 14 of 15 farms, and resistance to ivermectin, levamisole, and moxidectin was found on 17, 6, and 1 of 18 farms, respectively. Suspected resistance to levamisole and moxidectin was found on 4 and 3 farms, respectively. Resistance to multiple anthelmintics (albendazole and ivermectin) was found on 14 of 15 farms and to albendazole, ivermectin, and levamisole on 5 of 15 farms. Mean overall FEC reduction percentages for albendazole, ivermectin, levamisole, and moxidectin were 67, 54, 94, and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Anthelmintic resistance in GINs of goats is highly prevalent in the southern United States. The high prevalence of resistance to multiple anthelmintics emphasizes the need for reexamination of nematode control practices.     

Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on sheep farms in New Zealand

AIM: To establish the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nematodes on sheep farms in New Zealand.

METHODS: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted, using a standardised faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) test (FECRT) for ivermectin, at a full (0.2 mg/kg) and half (0.1 mg/kg) dose rate, and albendazole, levamisole and albendazole-levamisole in combination, on 60 lambs (n=10 per group) on farms selected from throughout New Zealand. Farms that conformed with selection criteria were chosen at random (n=80) or with a history of suspected resistance to macrocy- clic lactone (ML) anthelmintics (n=32). Resistance to an an- thelmintic was inferred when there was <95% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment. Larval cultures were performed for all control groups and for treated groups for which resistance was evident.

RESULTS: Of the farms randomly selected, 36% showed ≥95% FECR for all anthelmintics tested; resistance to ivermectin at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg liveweight was evident on 36% and 25% of these farms, respectively. Resistance to both ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) and levamisole was evident on 8/80 (10%) farms, to ivermectin and albendazole on 10/80 (13%) farms, and to iver- mectin, levamisole and albendazole on 6/80 (8%) farms. The prevalence of resistance to a half dose of ivermectin tended to be more prevalent on farms with a history of suspected ML resistance (p=0.06). Resistance to albendazole was seen across all the main parasite genera, and to levamisole in Nematodirus, Ostertagia (= Teladorsagia) and Trichostrongylus species. Resistance to ivermectin was dominated by Ostertagia spp, although Cooperia, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylus species were also implicated.

CONCLUSION: Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic nema-todes of sheep is common in New Zealand. Not only was resistance to albendazole and levamisole common, but resistance to the ML, ivermectin, was at a higher prevalence than expected. Sheep farmers and advisors in New Zealand need to re-evaluate the way they manage parasites, and more research is urgently needed if the steady decline in anthelmintic susceptibility is to be halted.     

The efficacy of mixtures of albendazole sulphoxide and levamisole against sheep nematodes resistant to benzimidazole and levamisole

Faecal egg count reduction tests and an anthelmintic efficiency assay were used to assess the efficacy of combinations of albendazole sulphoxide and levamisole against populations of Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus sp. which contained different proportions of worms resistant to both benzimidazole and levamisole anthelmintics. Compared to the effects of either drug alone, significantly greater efficacy was obtained using combinations which included dose rates similar to those recommended for the separate components. At these dose rates, the mixtures reduced mean faecal egg counts by 95% or more, and caused a reduction of 68% in adult Ostertagia sp. and more than 95% for 4th stage Ostertagia and T colubriformis. The increased efficacy of the mixtures could be accounted for by actions of the drugs acting independently.     

Resistance to a triple combination of broad-spectrum anthelmintics in naturally-acquired Ostertagia circumcincta infections in sheep

AIM: To measure the efficacy of two macrocyclic lactone-levamisole-benzimidazole combination drenches against naturally-acquired abomasal nematode infections on a sheep farm in the North Island, New Zealand. METHODS: Eighteen lambs carrying naturally-acquired worm burdens were removed from pasture and randomly allocated to one of three equal-sized groups, consisting of an untreated control group and two treatment groups. One treatment group was given a single oral dose of a triple-combination anthelmintic administered at the manufacturer's recommended dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg ivermectin, 7.5 mg/kg levamisole and 5.0 mg/kg albendazole. The other treatment group received a similar dose of another triple-combination drench consisting of 0.2 mg/kg abamectin, 8.0 mg/kg levamisole and 4.5 mg/kg oxfendazole. Worm counts were carried out post mortem on the abomasa of all animals in all groups, 10 days after treatment. RESULTS: While the abamectin-levamisole-oxfendazole combination was highly effective against all three abomasal nematode species present, the ivermectin-levamisole-albendazole combination was not. In the latter instance, a reduction of only 78% was achieved against infections of Ostertagia (=Teladorsagia) circumcincta. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence of resistance to an ivermectin-levamisole-albendazole combination drench by O. circumcincta. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Besides representing the first confirmed report of resistance to a combination drench consisting of three broad-spectrum anthelmintics, the present results provide further evidence of the continuing escalation of multiple anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematodes in New Zealand.     

The prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematodes on the central tablelands of New South Wales

A survey was undertaken to assess the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematode populations on 40 commercial farms distributed throughout the central tablelands of New South Wales. Representatives of the 2 major groups of broad spectrum anthelmintics with different modes of action (thiabendazole and levamisole) were used at the manufacturer's recommended dose rates. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of the reduction in faecal strongyle egg counts 7 days after treatment. An efficacy of less than 90% using both anthelmintics was obtained on 4 farms. Thiabendazole had an efficacy of less than 90% on a further 21 farms and levamisole had an efficacy of less than 90% on an additional 4 farms. There was no evidence of anthelmintic resistance on 8 farms, while the remaining 3 had insignificant parasite burdens. Based on larval cultures from faeces, Ostertagia and Trichostrongylus were the most significant species in resistant populations. Haemonchus burdens were sporadic and levels of resistance relatively low. Nematodirus burdens were widespread but no evidence of resistance was detected.     

Multiple Anthelmintic Resistance in Haemonchus Contortus on a Sheep Farm in Kenya

Multiple resistance to albendazole, thiophanate, levamisole and orally administered ivermectin was detected in an isolate of Haemonchus contortus in sheep on a farm where benzimidazole resistance had already been identified. Following a faecal egg count reduction test, this was confirmed by both critical and controlled anthelmintic tests. Different groups of sheep infected naturally or given an experimental infection with the benzimidazole-resistant isolate were treated with the recommended doses of various anthelmintics. Compared to the control group, the percentage reductions in the faecal egg counts of sheep treated with albendazole, thiophanate, levamisole and ivermectin varied between 38.2% and 79.1% and the residual worm counts between 27.3% and 57.5%. The results indicate the presence of multiple anthelmintic resistance in this isolate of H. contortus. Sheep treated with closantel showed 100% reductions in faecal egg and worm counts, indicating that this drug was very effective against the population of H. contortus on the farm.     

Multiple anthelmintic resistance and the possible contributory factors in Beetal goats in an irrigated area (Pakistan)

This paper presents the first report of multiple anthelmintic resistance in the gastrointestinal nematodes of goats and its possible contributory factors in an irrigated area (Pakistan). A total of 18 privately owned Beetal goat flocks were selected in order to determine the anthelmintic resistance against commonly used anthelmintics. Forty to 48 animals from each flock were selected according to their weight and egg count. The three anthelmintics viz., oxfendazole, levamisole and ivermectin, were given to three groups at manufacturer’s recommended dose while one group was kept as untreated control. Anthelmintic resistance was determined through faecal egg count reduction and egg hatch tests while assessment of the contributory factors of anthelmintic resistance was measured through the rural participatory approach. Faecal egg count reduction test revealed high prevalence of anthelmintic resistance (83.3%) and it was either single (levamisole) or multiple (oxfendazole and levamisole). Egg hatch test confirmed the resistance against oxfendazole as detected with faecal egg count reduction test. None of the goat flocks was resistant to ivermectin. Copro-cultures revealed that Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta were the most common species exhibiting resistance to levamisole and oxfendazole. Step-wise logistic regression of the data on worm control practices revealed significant role of under-dosing, low-protein diets, healthcare supervision by the traditional healers and mass treatments.     

Multiple anthelmintic resistance in Trichostrongylus colubriformis

Following the failure of anthelmintic treatment to control an outbreak of trichostrongylosis in sheep, multiple resistance to levamisole and oxfendazole was confirmed in field strains of Trichostrongylus colubriformis at the CSIRO Pastoral Research Laboratory, Armidale. Resistance in Trichostrongylus spp to levamisole was also confirmed on an adjoining farm. From the results of an experiment where lambs were treated at the recommended dose rate with one or both anthelmintics, it was estimated that 32% of T. colubriformis were resistant to levamisole, 19% to oxfendazole, and 12% to both drugs. Simultaneous administration of levamisole and oxfendazole resulted in an additive anthelmintic effect. Naphthalophos (36.6 to 51.2 mg/kg) was 93% efficient against the multiple resistant strain. The similar histories of anthelmintic usage at the CSIRO Pastoral Research Laboratory and on the northern tablelands of New South Wales generally, suggest that multiple anthelmintic resistance in T. colubriformis may soon emerge as a problem on the northern tablelands.     

Anthelmintic resistance and management of nematode parasites on beef cattle-rearing farms in the North Island of New Zealand

AIM: To provide information on current farmers' opinions and farming practices thought to be related to anthelmintic resistance, and to test for associations between the presence of anthelmintic resistance and management practices on beef-cattle rearing farms in the North Island of New Zealand. METHODS: A study using an interview-based questionnaire about management of internal parasites was conducted on 62 beef cattle-rearing farms in the North Island of New Zealand, using case-control analyses to test for associations between management practices and the presence or absence of resistance to ivermectin or albendazole. Resistance was inferred from faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) tests (FECRTs) when there was <90% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment of calves <12 months of age. RESULTS: Of the 59 farmers who completed the questionnaire, most (n=40) ranked parasites highly, and at about the same level as quality and quantity of feed, as important production-limiting factors for their enterprises. In contrast, anthelmintic resistance was not perceived to be a problem on 13 farms, and its importance was rated low on 24, moderate on 15, and high on only six farms. Despite all farms having planned parasite control programmes, there was heavy reliance on clinical signs of parasitism to determine frequency of treatments. About one in three farmers with beef breeder cows routinely treated their calves at marking, one in five treated mixed-age cows, and almost half treated rising 2-year-old cows before calving. One in four farmers used anthelmintics on calves on 8-12 occasions in their first year of life. Co-grazing with other species was rare, but follow-on grazing within 3 months after older cattle or sheep was common. On most farms, grazing cattle was restricted to part of the farm, a finding with implications for parasite control and persistence of larvae in refugia. Macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintics or their combinations with other action families were currently, and for the past 5 years, used more frequently than benzimidazoles and levamisole, and benzimidazole-levamisole combinations. The prevalence of resistance to ivermectin was high (82%) and no plausible model of associations could be constructed from the data. The prevalence of resistance to albendazole was 60%, and the risk of resistance increased as the number of rising 1-year-old cattle present mid-winter increased, and decreased as the number of breeding cows >2 years old present mid-winter increased. CONCLUSION: It is clear that in practice anthelmintic resistance is a secondary consideration to obtaining productivity advantages from the use of anthelmintics in beef cattle. Farmers' opinions were divided on many issues and the overall impression was of confused and diverse thinking regarding the principles of the use of anthelmintics. The overall outlook regarding anthelmintic resistance in cattle is bleak unless the need for integrated and long-term research activities is acted upon soon.     

A survey on the occurrence of resistance to anthelmintics of gastrointestinal nematodes of goats in Mozambique

A survey to study the extent of anthelmintic resistance was conducted in Maputo and Gaza, two of the ten provinces of Mozambique, during February and March, 1999. A total of 12 flocks, six in Maputo and six in Gaza, was surveyed. The faecal egg count reduction test was used to assess the efficacy of three anthelmintics most often used in Mozambique, namely albendazole, fenbendazole and levamisole. The degree of resistance was calculated using two different methods, and varied according to the method used. Using the formula of Coles, Bauer, Borgsteede, Geerts, Klei, Taylor & Waller (1992), resistance to the benzimidazoles was detected in one flock in Maputo and one in Gaza, and to levamisole in three flocks in Maputo and one in Gaza. When the formula of Dash, Hall & Barger (1988) was used, however, resistance to the benzimidazoles was detected in only one flock in Maputo, and no resistance to levamisole was detected. The 12 farms surveyed were too few for conclusions to be made on the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in goats in Mozambique as a whole. Therefore, an extensive survey at national level is needed. This study gives evidence, however, that anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of goats is an emerging problem, to which special attention should be paid.     

Anthelmintic resistance and management of nematode parasites on beef cattle-rearing farms in the North Island of New Zealand

AIM: To provide information on current farmers’ opinions and farming practices thought to be related to anthelmintic resistance, and to test for associations between the presence of anthelmintic resistance and management practices on beef cattle- rearing farms in the North Island of New Zealand.

METHODS: A study using an interview-based questionnaire about management of internal parasites was conducted on 62 beef cattle-rearing farms in the North Island of New Zealand, using case-control analyses to test for associations between management practices and the presence or absence of resistance to ivermectin or albendazole. Resistance was inferred from faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) tests (FECRTs) when there was <90% reduction in FEC 7-10 days after treatment of calves <12 months of age.

RESULTS: Of the 59 farmers who completed the questionnaire, most (n=40) ranked parasites highly, and at about the same level as quality and quantity of feed, as important production-limiting factors for their enterprises. In contrast, anthelmintic resistance was not perceived to be a problem on 13 farms, and its importance was rated low on 24, moderate on 15, and high on only six farms. Despite all farms having planned parasite control programmes, there was heavy reliance on clinical signs of parasitism to determine frequency of treatments. About one in three farmers with beef breeder cows routinely treated their calves at marking, one in five treated mixed-age cows, and almost half treated rising 2-year-old cows before calving. One in four farmers used anthelmintics on calves on 8–12 occasions in their first year of life. Co-grazing with other species was rare, but follow-on grazing within 3 months after older cattle or sheep was common. On most farms, grazing cattle was restricted to part of the farm, a finding with implications for parasite control and persistence of larvae in refugia. Macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintics or their combinations with other action families were currently, and for the past 5 years, used more frequently than benzimidazoles and levamisole, and benzimidazole-levami- sole combinations. The prevalence of resistance to ivermectin was high (82%) and no plausible model of associations could be constructed from the data. The prevalence of resistance to albendazole was 60%, and the risk of resistance increased as the number of rising 1-year-old cattle present mid-winter increased, and decreased as the number of breeding cows >2 years old present mid-winter increased.

CONCLUSION: It is clear that in practice anthelmintic resistance is a secondary consideration to obtaining productivity advantages from the use of anthelmintics in beef cattle. Farmers’ opinions were divided on many issues and the overall impres- sion was of confused and diverse thinking regarding the principles of the use of anthelmintics. The overall outlook regarding anthelmintic resistance in cattle is bleak unless the need for integrated and long-term research activities is acted upon soon.     

Efficacy of 3 anthelmintics in communally grazed sheep as reflected by faecal egg count reduction tests in a semi-arid area of South Africa

A survey was conducted on the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance of nematodes in communally grazed sheep in a semi-arid area near Mafikeng, South Africa, from January to March 2006. In the herds belonging to twelve smallholder sheep farmers, the efficacies of albendazole, levamisole and closantel were tested by faecal egg count reduction tests where 80 % efficacy was considered the cut off for anthelmintic resistance. The results of the faecal egg count reduction tests showed more than 80% efficacy with all the drugs used in most cases, but there were notable exceptions. In 1 case, closantel had an efficacy of 72%, albendazole had an efficacy of 68% and levamisole showed efficacies of 58%, 60% and 75% respectively on 4 farms. The occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in this farming sector is of concern and steps should be taken to prevent its further spread and development to avoid a situation developing as on numerous commercial sheep farms in South Africa where resistance is common.     

Naphthalophos combinations with benzimidazoles or levamisole as effective anthelmintics for sheep

Objective: To investigate the relative efficacy and safety of the anthelmintic naphthalophos in sheep, either given alone or in combination with benzimidazole (fenbendazole and albendazole) or levamisole anthelmintics.
Design: A parasitological study using faecal egg count reduction tests, a validating slaughter trial and field safety trials.
Procedure: Faecal egg count reduction tests were carried out on 13 farms. Naphthalophos and combinations of naphthalophos with levamisole and fenbendazole were included in the drench tests. On one property a controlled efficacy study was carried out to validate faecal egg count reduction test findings. In this trial, sheep were slaughtered 10 days after treatment and the remaining parasites recovered from the gastro-intestinal tract. Safety trials were carried out on eight farms where approximately 50 000 sheep were treated with naphthalophos and albendazole that were tank mixed in the backpack.
Results: The efficacy of naphthalophos alone in faecal egg count reduction tests ranged from 59 to 98% with one test showing 95% reduction. The efficacy of naphthalophos and levamisole ranged from 74 to 100%, with 5 farms showing 95% reduction. The efficacy of naphthalophos and fenbendazole ranged between 88 and 100% with 95% reduction achieved on 10 farms. The controlled efficacy study showed a good correlation between the faecal egg count reduction tests and numbers of parasites recovered, except for Nematodirus where the faecal egg count reduction tests overestimated efficacy. The mortality rate in the safety trials was 0.05%, with most fatalities occurring on one farm.
Conclusion: The combination of naphthalophos and fenbendazole was more effective than a combination of naphthalophos and levamisole, and will provide a sufficiently safe drench rotation option.     

Field studies investigating anthelmintic resistance in young cattle on five farms in New Zealand

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of pour-on anthelmintics against field strains of parasitic nematodes in young cattle on five farms in New Zealand. METHODS: Faecal nematode egg count (FEC) reduction (FECR) tests were carried out on five calf-rearing farms using pour-on formulations of levamisole, ivermectin, eprinomectin, and the simultaneous administration of levamisole and ivermectin. Faecal samples were collected per rectum before treatment and about 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after treatment, for FEC and faecal nematode larval culture. RESULTS: Resistance (i.e. <95% reduction in FEC) of Cooperia oncophora to ivermectin and eprinomectin was identified on all five farms. There was limited evidence of possible emerging resistance in Ostertagia spp to ivermectin but not eprinomectin, in short-tailed larvae of Cooperia spp to ivermectin and eprinomectin, and in Trichostrongylus spp to ivermectin, eprinomectin and levamisole used separately. Levamisole was effective against C. oncophora, but had variable efficacy against Ostertagia spp in the calves in this study. Simultaneous treatment with levamisole and ivermectin pour-on formulations were effective against all genera on all farms. CONCLUSIONS: To effectively manage roundworm parasites in their calves farmers need to be aware of the resistance status of the parasites on their farms. Levamisole is likely to be an effective anthelmintic on most farms at times of the year when the impact of Ostertagia spp is not high. Simultaneous administration of levamisole and ivermectin pour-on anthelmintics to cattle is likely to control both ML-resistant C. oncophora and stages of Ostertagia spp that are not controlled by levamisole alone.     

Efficacy of monepantel and anthelmintic combinations against multiple-resistant Haemonchus contortus in sheep, including characterisation of the nematode isolate

Three experiments defined the resistance profile of a population of Haemonchus contortus, which was shown to express multiple resistances to the benzimidazole, levamisole, macrocyclic lactone and salicylanilide anthelmintic classes when given as a registered combination. Study 1 was a faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test and the efficacies for the anthelmintics were monepantel, 100%; abamectin+levamisole+oxfendazole, 40.0%; and abamectin+levamisole+oxfendazole+naphthalophos, 100%. No larvae were recovered from the post-treatment cultures for monepantel or the 4-way treatment, and for the 3-way treatment the culture was 100% Haemonchus spp. Efficacies in Study 2 were calculated from mean post-mortem nematode burdens of H. contortus and were levamisole+oxfendazole, 3.1%; abamectin+levamisole+oxfendazole, 5.0%; ivermectin, 0.4%; moxidectin, 28.4% and closantel, 70.2%. Study 3 was also a FECR test that resulted in efficacies of 100% for monepantel and 83.0% for a formulated 4-way combination of abamectin+levamisole+albendazole+closantel. Larvae recovered from the post-treatment culture for the combination-treated sheep were all Haemonchus spp. Multi-resistant parasites such as examined in these studies are a continuing challenge to be managed by farmers and their advisors. Control programs must be planned and well-managed, and should include on-farm testing for anthelmintic resistance, monitoring of nematode burdens (by FEC and larval culture) to determine appropriate treatment times and the management of pastures to reduce the overall parasite challenge. This should be in balance with the generation, use and maintenance of drug-susceptible nematode populations in refugia.     

Anthelmintic resistance and sheep management practices in south western Victoria

Twenty-eight farms in 7 shires in south western Victoria were selected and tested for presence of benzimidazole-resistant nematodes between November 1979 and June 1981. Mean faecal egg counts of sheep were less than 100 strongyloid eggs/g on 11 farms. Faecal egg count reduction tests were conducted on the remaining 17 farms and thiabendazole was less than 90% efficient in reducing egg counts in sheep from 5 (29%) of these farms. Thiabendazole-resistant Teladorsagia circumcincta were identified at necropsy of experimentally infected treated sheep. In further studies a survey of 104 farms was conducted in the Mount Rouse and Dundas shires of western Victoria in 1981 and 1982 respectively to determine the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in these shires. Mean faecal egg counts among weaner sheep in the winter-spring of both years were less than 100 eggs/g which indicated low levels of parasitic nematode populations. A faecal egg count reduction test was conducted on 10 farms and thiabendazole was less than 90% efficient on 3; levamisole was greater than 90% efficient in all 10 tests. Most of the surveyed farms carried Merino or Merino crossbred sheep at 10 to 15 dry sheep equivalents per ha and weaners were treated with anthelmintics 3 to 6 times per year. Management procedures based mainly on anthelmintic therapy were effective in controlling nematode populations in weaner sheep, although many producers alternated between different groups of anthelmintics within the same year contrary to current recommendations for long-term preservation of anthelmintic efficacy. It was concluded that anthelmintic resistance was not of practical importance to the majority of sheep producers in the region.