Novel Methods for Sustainable Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Small Ruminants

Novel Methods for Sustainable Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Small Ruminants

Summary

As a result of successful planning sessions in 2001, a full SARE Research and Education proposal entitled “Novel Methods for Sustainable Control of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Small Ruminants” was submitted to Southern SARE in January, 2002. This proposal, which was funded starting in April, 2002, involves research and development of an integrated parasite control program for small ruminant producers in the southeastern US. Two planning sessions were held in conjunction with workshops associated with the new SARE project, in June and November, 2002. A diverse group of scientists, extension personnel, and producers from 5 southern states, the US Virgin Island, Denmark, and South Africa participated in these planning sessions. Research priorities, implementation plans, and outreach activities for the ongoing project were discussed, as well as potential funding sources for continuing this research work in the future.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Assemble a multi-disciplinary, multi-institution team of researchers, extension personnel, producer organization leaders, and farmers to discuss, prioritize, and plan a field-based research program for implementing an integrated gastrointestinal nematode control program for the southern USA.

2. Develop an education and outreach plan to effectively share research results and prepare informational material for appropriate clientele groups throughout the southern USA.

3. Identify potential funding sources for submission of research and education proposals for the 2003-2004 funding cycles.

Accomplishments/Milestones

1. A multi-discipline, multi-institution team of researchers, extension personnel, small ruminant commodity organization leaders, and farmers was assembled for two planning sessions in association with FAMACHA eye chart training and Smart Drenching workshops (June and November, respectively) held at the Fort Valley State University in 2002.

2. Research planning for a number of projects was successfully completed, including on-farm tests of anthelmintic resistance, validation of the FAMACHA eye chart from South Africa for determination of anemia in sheep and goats in the southern USA, and use of copper oxide particles, seaweed extract, and nematode-trapping fungi to control gastrointestinal nematodes in grazing sheep and goats.

3. A number of outreach activities were successfully planned in these sessions, including FAMACHA eye chart training and Smart Drenching workshops, a SARE project web site, a Smart Drenching color pamphlet, and producer questionnaires on small ruminant anthelmintic use and production practices.

4. Several funding agencies were identified for future expansion of the integrated parasite control concept, including USDA 1890 Capacity Building and Scientific Cooperation Programs, as well as Southern SARE.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

1. As a result of successful planning sessions, FAMACHA validation on-farm has been implemented, establishing that color of eye mucosa in sheep and goats can be used to identify animals within the herd or flock with serious gastrointestinal nematode infection levels, which allows reduced use of anthelmintics.

2. Increased awareness of producers for the need for reduced use of anthelmintics, development of an integrated parasite control program with limited use of anthelmintics combined with other control strategies to greatly reduce the rate of development of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes.

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