Prophylaxis of helminths in cattle in Brazil

Abstract

Cattle ranching in Brazil has long been one of the main and most important sectors of the economy. Among the factors that negatively influence the rearing of production animals, the worm disease deserves prominence, because it is one of the most important problems of the Brazilian herd, being responsible for large losses in livestock activity. Worms are caused by helminths of different phyla, classes, genera and species, and can affect several animals, being extremely important in production animals. These parasites can cause losses and great economic losses due to the fall in animal production and costs with its control. The administration of anthelmintics in the correct dosage is of great importance, because its misuse is probably one of the causes that accelerate the emergence of resistant helminth populations. However, when done incorrectly and indiscriminately, it can lead to inefficiency of the drugs because with the wrong management of these drugs there is a selection of resistant parasites. In view of the above, the objective of this literature review was to gather information on ways to control helminthiases and some alternatives that have been studied to improve livestock production systems. Keywords: Anthelmintics; Helminths; Nematodes.