Farmer Behavior and Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Ruminant Livestock—Uptake of Sustainable Control Approaches

Abstract

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a common constraint in pasture-based herds and cause a decrease in animal health, productivity and farm profitability. Current control practices to prevent production losses of GIN infections in livestock depend largely on the use of anthelmintic drugs. However, due to the continued use of these drugs over more than three decades, the industry is now increasingly confronted with nematode populations resistant to the available anthelmintics. This emerging anthelmintic resistance (AR) in cattle nematodes emphasizes the need for a change toward more sustainable control approaches that limit, prevent or reverse the development of AR. The uptake of diagnostic methods for sustainable control could enable more informed treatment decisions and reduce excessive anthelmintic use. Different diagnostic and targeted or targeted selective anthelmintic control approaches that slow down the selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance have been developed and evaluated recently. Now it is time to transform these insights into guidelines for sustainable control and communicate them across the farmer community. This article reviews the current uptake of such sustainable practices with a focus on farmer's socio-psychological factors affecting this uptake. We investigate communication as a possible tool to change current behavior and successfully implement more sustainable anthelmintic treatment strategies.

A Qualitative Market Analysis Applied to Mini-FLOTAC and Fill-FLOTAC for Diagnosis of Helminth Infections in Ruminants

“…As demonstrated by Vande Velde et al (33)(34)(35), farmers' intention to adopt innovative systems to control GIN, is not based only on rational and economic, but also on sociopsychological factors. Often, the farmers don't have: (i) the perception of the severity and impact of GIN infections, because the animals are mostly asymptomatic; (ii) the knowledge of AR and its effect on livestock production.…”

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Relating to Parasitic Diseases and Anthelmintic Resistance Among Livestock Farmers in Hamedan, Iran

“…The development and availability of highly efficacious anthelmintic drugs has significantly contributed to reducing the economic burden of helminth parasitism. However, resistance has emerged to almost every anthelmintic drug group used in the control of nematode and trematode parasites infecting ruminants; and has become a serious economic problem for the livestock industry worldwide (2). The emergence of resistance in helminths of veterinary importance is largly influenced by host-related physiological and environmental factors that drive the parasites' life histories; but importantly the rate at which this occurs can depend on operational factors such as frequent prophylactic drug treatments, underdosing, and mass drug administration (3).…”

“…Progress in the development of socio-psychological research methods in behavioral sciences in recent years has created opportunities to study and inform animal health decision making (2). Information on knowledge (what is known), attitudes (what is thought), and practices (what is done) (KAP) is required to identify knowledge gaps and needs, and to understand factors and barriers that influence behaviors.…”

Helminth Vaccines in Ruminants

“…46 More sociopsychological studies to identify drivers of farmers' and veterinarians' decision making will be crucial to optimize uptake of novel parasite control tools, such as vaccines. 47…”