References
Parasite control in cattle is evolving
Abstract
Increasing reports of anthelmintic resistance of gut and lungworm are occurring, probably because of over-treatment with the same products, often unnecessarily. A more sustainable approach to parasite control – known as integrated parasite management – puts diagnostic testing and prevention before treating, centre stage. This reduces farmers' reliance on products, saving them for when they might be really needed.
Most cattle farmers still rely on wormers applied to entire groups of animals at pre-determined times of the year to control gut worms, lung worm and/or liver fluke.
On many farms the same products have been used at the same time of year for more than a decade. It appears simple, cheap and easy and always seems to ‘work’, so why change?
It is likely that we have been witnessing a golden age for these products. Increasing reports of anthelmintic resistance of gut and lungworm are occurring. This is probably because we have been over-treating with the same products, often unnecessarily.
Many have been advocating a different, more sustainable approach to parasite control for some years now, with knowledge that these products also cause significant environmental harm.
This new approach puts diagnostic testing and prevention before treating, centre stage. An approach that allows natural cattle immunity to develop better, and that reduces farmers' reliance on products, saving them for when they might really be needed.
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