Parasite Control

Question 1

What are the two main mechanisms for parasite control?

Answer 1

Chemical control (wormers), physical control (poo picking).

Question 2

What are some common wormers and what do they protect against?

Answer 2

1. Moxidectin - small redworms, large red worms, other roundworms, bots
2. Ivermectin - small redworm, large red worm, other roundworms, bots
3. Fenbendazole - small redworm, large red worm, other roundworms.
4. Pyrantel - small red worm, large red worm, other round worms, tapeworm (double dose).

Question 3

What are some methods of diagnostic testing?

Answer 3

• faecal egg counts

- tapeworm ELISA

Question 4

Define ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANCE

Answer 4

Anthelmintic resistance is present when there is a greater frequency of individuals within a population able to tolerate a dose of a compound than in normal populations of the same species.
Essentially, the worms can tolerate the drugs and they make no difference.

Question 5

What are steps taken to increase a resistant population?

Answer 5

• under dosing
• short interval dosing
• blanket dosing
• rotational dosing
• repeated use of the same anthelmintic

Question 6

What is an FEC?

Answer 6

A simple in vivo test used to test parasite burden.

• identify animals with positive FEC of >180 epg
• treat with correct dosage of anthelmintic
• take a second FEC 10-14 later

Formula:
((baseline FEC - post treatment FEC) * 100)/baseline FEC

This gives the % reduction

Question 7

What should be considered when building a worming programme?

Answer 7

The animal’s:

• age
• weight
• past treatment
• history
• FEC results
• past health issues
• amount of grazing available
• frequency of dung collection
• resting and rotation