Most common inappropriate drug usage factors in anthelmintic treatment on sheep farms in Latvia

Abstract

Background and Aim: There is little understanding about antiparasitic drug prescription trends and implementation to reduce possible drug overuse or misuse worldwide. This study aimed to review sheep parasite control strategies and antiparasitic drug use habits in Latvia. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study in the world that describes how antiparasitic drugs are used and what are the most common drug usage errors in a sheep farm. Materials and Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect relevant information from face-to-face interviews to assess 22 sheep farmers' knowledge and management procedures in farms. We collected information about animal feeding, herding, parasite diagnostics, and antiparasitic drug usage. The questionnaire summary included information on pasture use, parasite control management, and anthelmintic drug choice/use. Results: Only 36% of farms regularly managed parasite control by analyzing fecal samples for parasites, but prophylactic deworming was employed in all farms. Ivermectin, albendazole, levamisole, and monepantel were used on the farms and most of the farms were multidrug users; 77.3% of the farms used albendazole and 72.7% used ivermectin. Conclusion: The results indicated a lack of parasitological examination and parasite control of the flock, mostly empiric drug selection, incorrect dosing, inaccurate drug administration, drug storage, and use errors. A proactive approach to herd health planning, regular parasitic control, and prophylactic measures may benefit farmers and veterinarians.

Parasitofauna and current status of anthelmintic resistance in Latvian sheep farms

“…In parallel with this study, another study was performed to investigate parasite prevention measures in sheep farms. Preliminary data from this study show that the most common errors during deworming sheep are excessive use, repeatedly using antihelmintic drugs at the inappropriate dose, administration route, ignoring official storage, and use rules [32].…”

Plantas Bioativas: Potencial Biológico e Terapêutico

“…No entanto, o surgimento de parasitos, se destaca como sendo a principal patologia que acomete esses animais (PIRES FILHO et al, 2020;KOVAĻČUKA et al, 2022). A produção animal é comprometida devido ao uso incorreto de antiparasitários químicos, associado a práticas inapropriadas de manejo, o que pode resultar no surgimento de cepas resistentes (IDRIS et al, 2019;NAEEM et al, 2021).…”