Novel Methods for Sustainable Control of Gastrointestional Nematodes in Small Ruminants

Novel Methods for Sustainable Control of Gastrointestional Nematodes in Small Ruminants

Summary

In the final year of the project, there was continued expansion of the number of producers trained in use of FAMACHA technology, with over 2000 more cards sold. Scientific manuscripts were published on use of low doses of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) to control Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs, and use of sericea lespedeza hay to control parasitic infection in sheep and goats (2 papers). Additional manuscripts were submitted on the use of COWP to reduce gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in goats, on-farm adoption of FAMACHA, and detection of emerging anthelmintic resistance to Moxidectin in small ruminant GIN. Fact sheets on use of COWP to control GIN infection in sheep, and a planting guide for sericea lespedeza were added to our project web site (SCSRPC.org). Hits on our web site continued to increase in 2006. Our group (The Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control), which was formed as part of this project, met twice in 2006, at Louisiana State University (LSU, May) and Fort Valley State University (FVSU, October) to review on-going and plan future SARE-related research and outreach activities. A number of scientific presentations were made by Consortium members on data from this project at various national and international scientific meetings in 2006.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Bring about immediate improvement in GIN control and subsequent productivity in small ruminant operations in the southern US and the US Virgin Islands by disseminating to producers and extension agents current knowledge and technology.

2. Investigate and implement the use of novel non-chemical approaches in integrated, sustainable strategies for control of GIN in small ruminants.

3. Determine the economic impact on the small ruminant industry of uncontrolled multi-drug resistant GIN.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Over 2000 FAMACHA cards for on-farm use were sold at producer workshops held by consortium members throughout the USA, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands in 2006.
Three manuscripts published in scientific journals, with 3 more submitted. Two producer-oriented fact sheets were added to our project web site, and 3 more are in preparation. Numerous presentations (10-15) were made at scientific meetings based upon data generated from this work. The Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control expanded to include new members from Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and South Africa. Hits on our project web site passed the 30,000 mark in 2006.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

This work is continuing to increase awareness of producers, veterinarians, extension agents, and scientists as to the seriousness of the problem of anthelmintic resistance in small ruminant GIN. This has been indicated by the overwhelming acceptance and adoption of the FAMACHA system by producers, which has caused a dramatic reduction in the use of chemical anthelmintics by a large number of sheep and goats producers in the USA, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. This is helping to sustain the small ruminant industry in these regions by saving producers money through reduced drugs expenditures. Using the FAMACHA system has also allowed producers to improve herd or flock genetics for resistance and resilience to parasitic infection by allowing culling of highly susceptible animals. Another impact of this work is the increased acceptance by producer of alternative (novel) strategies to control parasitic infection in sheep and goats, and the need for combinations of strategies instead of just waiting for the next anthelmintic ‘silver bullet’ to come along. This has been demonstrated in an increased number of visitors to our project web site and a greatly increased volume of calls from producers inquiring about the use of copper oxide wire particles and sericea lespedeza as anti-parasitic agents.

Collaborators: