DETECTION OF ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANCE IN SMALL SCALE GOAT REARING UNITS IN THRISSUR

Abstract

Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) was employed for the in vivo detection of anthelmintic resistance to albendazole and ivermectin in small scale goat rearing units in VallachiraPanchayath of Thrissur District, Kerala. Resistance was detected against albendazole with per cent egg count reduction of 71 per cent and lower 95 per cent confidence interval less than 90. Ivermectin was found effective with per cent egg count reduction of 97 per cent. Resistance to albendazole can be attributed to the prolonged and intensive use of the drug. The use of ivermectin orally for deworming has been introduced recently and the drug is still efficacious. Detection of resistance in small holder farmers’ flocks warrants judicious use of these drugs to prevent further selection for resistance. Haemonchus contortus was the predominant species among gastrointestinal nematodes identified by coproculture and this factor also contributed to the rapid selection for resistance

Keywords

• anthelmintic resistance
• fecrt
• goats
• haemonchus contortus