Parasite control in pasture-grazed dairy cattle: are we at the edge of a precipice?
I. A. Sutherland A D and S. L. Bullen B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
B Maffra Veterinary Centre, Maffra, Vic. 3860, Australia.
C University of Melbourne, School of Veterinary Science, Werribee, Vic. 3030, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: ian.sutherland@agresearch.co.nz
Animal Production Science 55(7) 916-921 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN14881
Submitted: 16 October 2014 Accepted: 21 March 2015 Published: 5 June 2015
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites are one of the most production-limiting infections of pasture-based dairy cattle in Australasia. Intensification of dairy production systems in both countries has meant that farmers have come to rely heavily on anthelmintic drenches to control GIN parasitism. However, anthelmintic resistance is now widespread in New Zealand, particularly to the market-leading macrocyclic-lactones. Less work has been conducted on anthelmintic resistance in Australia but preliminary results of a study currently underway suggests that there are high levels of resistance on Victorian dairy farms. The identification and mitigation of risk factors for the development of resistance is crucial for long-term sustainability of control. These include the use of drenches with variable efficacy – particularly pour-on and injectable formulations. New Zealand studies suggest that this may be as a result of active not reaching parasites within the gut lumen as effectively as oral formulations. Also, the raising of young stock as monocultures is a risk factor for the development of resistance as it significantly reduces the numbers of unselected (and presumably susceptible) parasites on pasture. These risks can be mitigated: using effective drenches removes more resistant parasites. This often means the use of combination products containing more than one anthelmintic class. Combination products are more effective in the face of existing resistance, and can slow the development of resistance. Also, ensuring an adequate level of unselected parasites on pasture for ingestion by young stock will delay the development of resistance. While there are differences between dairying systems, both countries are likely to benefit from more active and collaborative research efforts to improving parasite control practices on dairy farms in their respective countries.
Additional keywords: anthelmintic, gastrointestinal parasites, resistance.
References
Bisset SA, Brunsdon RV, Forbes S (1990) Efficacy of a topical formulation of ivermectin against naturally acquired gastro-intestinal nematodes in weaner cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 38, 4–6.| Efficacy of a topical formulation of ivermectin against naturally acquired gastro-intestinal nematodes in weaner cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2MzntlCrsA%3D%3D&md5=435a58b4edec8ab2cc5e5147edb54b4aCAS | 16031564PubMed |
Brown HW (1969) Anthelmintics, new and old. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 10, 5–21.
Chabala JC, Mrozik H, Tolman RL, Eskola P, Lusi A, Peterson LH, Woods MF, Fisher MH, Campbell WC, Egerton JR, Ostlind DA (1980) Ivermectin, a new broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 23, 1134–1136.
| Ivermectin, a new broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3cXls1Sqt78%3D&md5=8bcfb3e37164baaa0de453a3136c34ceCAS | 6893469PubMed |
Charleston WA, McKenna PB (2002) Nematodes and liver fluke in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 50, 41–47.
| Nematodes and liver fluke in New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2MznsVWmsQ%3D%3D&md5=9ec1859e5f7b0ecdb75060ae15c5ee3eCAS | 16032235PubMed |
Charlier J, Hoglund J, Von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Dorny P, Vercruysse J (2009) Gastrointestinal nematode infections in adult dairy cattle: impact on production, diagnosis and control. Veterinary Parasitology 164, 70–79.
| Gastrointestinal nematode infections in adult dairy cattle: impact on production, diagnosis and control.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19414223PubMed |
Charlier J, Morgan ER, Rinaldi L, Van Dijk J, Demeler J, Höglund J, Hertzberg H, Van Ranst B, Hendrickx G, Vercruysse J, Kenyon F (2014) Practices to optimise gastrointestinal nematode control on sheep, goat and cattle farms in Europe using targeted (selective) treatments. The Veterinary Record 175, 250–255.
| Practices to optimise gastrointestinal nematode control on sheep, goat and cattle farms in Europe using targeted (selective) treatments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC2M7gvF2iug%3D%3D&md5=31449cd54a4b98f57ac9ba8f0e408bacCAS | 25217603PubMed |
Coop R, Sykes A, Angus K (1979) The pathogenicity of daily intakes of Cooperia oncophora larvae in growing calves. Veterinary Parasitology 5, 261–269.
| The pathogenicity of daily intakes of Cooperia oncophora larvae in growing calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Demeler J, Küttler U, Von Samson-Himmelstjerna G (2010) Adaptation and evaluation of three different in vitro tests for the detection of resistance to anthelmintics in gastro intestinal nematodes of cattle. Veterinary Parasitology 170, 61–70.
| Adaptation and evaluation of three different in vitro tests for the detection of resistance to anthelmintics in gastro intestinal nematodes of cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXmtFWgt7c%3D&md5=cc96fe05c5d50a00d604c77619f70ce5CAS | 20189310PubMed |
Dorny P, Demeulenaere D, Smets K, Vercruysse J (2000) Control of gastrointestinal nematodes in first season grazing calves by two strategic treatments with eprinomectin. Veterinary Parasitology 89, 277–286.
| Control of gastrointestinal nematodes in first season grazing calves by two strategic treatments with eprinomectin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXivVGjtr8%3D&md5=9a1a79d37ba3f4258334dafc91403bd3CAS | 10799841PubMed |
Eagleson J, Allerton O (1992) Efficacy and safety of ivermectin applied topically to cattle under field conditions in Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal 69, 133–134.
| Efficacy and safety of ivermectin applied topically to cattle under field conditions in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK38zlt1CjsQ%3D%3D&md5=e3966bf00eeb0e418382c87690c4315bCAS | 1642595PubMed |
Entrocasso CM, Parkins JJ, Armour J, Bairden K, Mcwilliam PN (1986) Production, parasitological and carcase evaluation studies in steers exposed to trichostrongyle infection and treated with a morantel bolus or fenbendazole in two consecutive grazing seasons. Research in Veterinary Science 40, 76–85.
Fisher MA, Jacobs DE, Hutchinson MJ, Simon AJ (1995) Evaluation of doramectin in a programme for season-long control of parasitic gastroenteritis in calves. The Veterinary Record 137, 281–284.
| Evaluation of doramectin in a programme for season-long control of parasitic gastroenteritis in calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK287gtV2iuw%3D%3D&md5=e9ff85ce4c3d8d9ce7327cb22bc44c3fCAS | 8533221PubMed |
Forbes AB, Huckle CA, Gibb MJ, Rook AJ, Nuthall R (2000) Evaluation of the effects of nematode parasitism on grazing behaviour, herbage intake and growth in young grazing cattle. Veterinary Parasitology 90, 111–118.
Gasbarre LC, Smith LL, Lichtenfels JR, Pilitt PA (2009) The identification of cattle nematode parasites resistant to multiple classes of anthelmintics in a commercial cattle population in the US. Veterinary Parasitology 166, 281–285.
| The identification of cattle nematode parasites resistant to multiple classes of anthelmintics in a commercial cattle population in the US.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhsVGlt7fI&md5=931ce3f29fc85fe3de4551a3041ec2a6CAS | 19900760PubMed |
Hall CA, Campbell NJ, Carroll SN (1979) Resistance to thiabendazole in a field population of Ostertagia circumcincta from sheep. Australian Veterinary Journal 55, 229–231.
Höglund J, Dahlström F, Sollenberg S, Hessle A (2013) Weight gain-based targeted selective treatments (TST) of gastrointestinal nematodes in first-season grazing cattle. Veterinary Parasitology 196, 358–365.
| Weight gain-based targeted selective treatments (TST) of gastrointestinal nematodes in first-season grazing cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23608034PubMed |
Kaminsky R, Ducray P, Jung M, Clover R, Rufener L, Bouvier J, Weber SS, Wenger A, Wieland-Berghausen S, Goebel T, Gauvry N, Pautrat F, Skripsky T, Froelich O, Komoin-Oka C, Westlund B, Sluder A, Mäser P (2008) A new class of anthelmintics effective against drug-resistant nematodes. Nature 452, 176–180.
| A new class of anthelmintics effective against drug-resistant nematodes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXjt1Gnu70%3D&md5=076973f0c480d06187312dd84c5fa5f7CAS | 18337814PubMed |
Keith R (1967) The pathogenicity of experimental infections of Cooperia pectinata Ransom, 1907 in calves. Crop and Pasture Science 18, 861–864.
| The pathogenicity of experimental infections of Cooperia pectinata Ransom, 1907 in calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Laffont CM, Alvinerie M, Bousquet-Melou A, Toutain PL (2001) Licking behaviour and environmental contamination arising from pour-on ivermectin for cattle. International Journal for Parasitology 31, 1687–1692.
| Licking behaviour and environmental contamination arising from pour-on ivermectin for cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXos1Gqsb0%3D&md5=fc4c5c1b7f49d875ae7baaa15f765d8eCAS | 11730797PubMed |
Larsson A, Uggla A, Waller PJ, Hoglund J (2011) Performance of second-season grazing cattle following different levels of parasite control in their first grazing season. Veterinary Parasitology 175, 135–140.
| Performance of second-season grazing cattle following different levels of parasite control in their first grazing season.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC3cbpvVyltg%3D%3D&md5=b44a16d8213e88eb7444358c5cddb9eaCAS | 20943321PubMed |
Laurenson YC, Kyriazakis I, Forbes AB, Bishop SC (2012) Exploration of the epidemiological consequences of resistance to gastro-intestinal parasitism and grazing management of sheep through a mathematical model. Veterinary Parasitology 189, 238–249.
| Exploration of the epidemiological consequences of resistance to gastro-intestinal parasitism and grazing management of sheep through a mathematical model.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22664340PubMed |
Le Jambre L (1976) Egg hatch as an in vitro assay of thiabendazole resistance in nematodes. Veterinary Parasitology 2, 385–391.
| Egg hatch as an in vitro assay of thiabendazole resistance in nematodes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE2sXkvFKktLY%3D&md5=65c0336757ea0cf0e30d36366bb6e2f6CAS |
Leathwick D, Besier R (2013) The management of anthelmintic resistance in grazing ruminants in Australasia: strategies and experiences. Veterinary Parasitology 204, 44–54.
| The management of anthelmintic resistance in grazing ruminants in Australasia: strategies and experiences.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24439840PubMed |
Leathwick DM, Miller CM (2013) Efficacy of oral, injectable and pour-on formulations of moxidectin against gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle in New Zealand. Veterinary Parasitology 191, 293–300.
| Efficacy of oral, injectable and pour-on formulations of moxidectin against gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle in New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XhsFSntLbK&md5=328358290add2c44f604a94569a8986bCAS | 23063773PubMed |
Leathwick D, Hosking B, Bisset S, Mckay C (2009) Managing anthelmintic resistance: is it feasible in New Zealand to delay the emergence of resistance to a new anthelmintic class? New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57, 181–192.
| Managing anthelmintic resistance: is it feasible in New Zealand to delay the emergence of resistance to a new anthelmintic class?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXitVKrtbg%3D&md5=00e3313b8507daf190fe2cc0226b82deCAS | 19649011PubMed |
Little PR, Hodges A, Watson TG, Seed JA, Maeder SJ (2010) Field efficacy and safety of an oral formulation of the novel combination anthelmintic, derquantel-abamectin, in sheep in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 58, 121–129.
| Field efficacy and safety of an oral formulation of the novel combination anthelmintic, derquantel-abamectin, in sheep in New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXpt1ajsrc%3D&md5=0c0410caca6fff3551c6a35739a634c4CAS | 20514085PubMed |
Lyndal-Murphy M, Rogers D, Ehrlich W, James P, Pepper P (2010) Reduced efficacy of macrocyclic lactone treatments in controlling gastrointestinal nematode infections of weaner dairy calves in subtropical eastern Australia. Veterinary Parasitology 168, 146–150.
| Reduced efficacy of macrocyclic lactone treatments in controlling gastrointestinal nematode infections of weaner dairy calves in subtropical eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXhs1Kqs7o%3D&md5=738afffd00dfae5387475b2a44f6d6c2CAS | 19932565PubMed |
McAnulty RW, Gibbs SJ (2010) Parasitism of calves in South Island large dairy herds. In ‘Proceedings of the 4th Australasian dairy science symposium, 2010’, Christchurch, New Zealand. pp. 390–394. (Caxton Press: Christchurch, New Zealand)
McKenna PB (1995) Topically applied ivermectin and Cooperia infections in cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 43, 44
Parkinson TJ, Vermunt JJ, Malmo J (2010) ‘Diseases of cattle in Australasia: a comprehensive textbook.’ (New Zealand Veterinary Association Foundation for Continuing Education: Wellington, NZ)
Pomroy WE (1997) Internal helminth parasites of ruminants in New Zealand. In ‘Sustainable control of internal parasites in ruminants’. (Ed. G. K. Barrell) pp. 11–22. (Lincoln, New Zealand)
Sallovitz J, Lifschitz A, Imperiale F, Virkel G, Larghi J, Lanusse C (2005) Doramectin concentration profiles in the gastrointestinal tract of topically-treated calves: influence of animal licking restriction. Veterinary Parasitology 133, 61–70.
| Doramectin concentration profiles in the gastrointestinal tract of topically-treated calves: influence of animal licking restriction.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXpvFelt7c%3D&md5=6682f3357f58bbe828d3d86ee333f592CAS | 15994007PubMed |
Sanchez J, Dohoo I, Carrier J, Descoteaux L (2004) A meta-analysis of the milk-production response after anthelmintic treatment in naturally infected adult dairy cows. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 63, 237–256.
| A meta-analysis of the milk-production response after anthelmintic treatment in naturally infected adult dairy cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15158573PubMed |
Shaw D, Vercruysse J, Claerebout E, Dorny P (1998) Gastrointestinal nematode infections of first-grazing season calves in Western Europe: general patterns and the effect of chemoprophylaxis. Veterinary Parasitology 75, 115–131.
| Gastrointestinal nematode infections of first-grazing season calves in Western Europe: general patterns and the effect of chemoprophylaxis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK1c3pvFartw%3D%3D&md5=680eee96af334eefbe3fd88fcaab73c8CAS | 9637215PubMed |
Shoop WL, Egerton JR, Eary CH, Haines HW, Michael BF, Mrozik H, Eskola P, Fisher MH, Slayton L, Ostlind DA, Skelly BJ, Fulton RK, Barth D, Costa S, Gregory LM, Campbell WC, Seward RL, Turner MJ (1996) Eprinomectin: a novel avermectin for use as a topical endectocide for cattle. International Journal for Parasitology 26, 1237–1242.
| Eprinomectin: a novel avermectin for use as a topical endectocide for cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXhtlKktrw%3D&md5=9c331ed9f440af55c35f8cb28f69cfe8CAS | 9024867PubMed |
Smith G, Grenfell BT, Anderson RM (1987) The regulation of Ostertagia ostertagi populations in calves: density-dependent control of fecundity. Parasitology 95, 373–388.
| The regulation of Ostertagia ostertagi populations in calves: density-dependent control of fecundity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 3696771PubMed |
Somers CJ, Downey NE, O’Shea J (1987) Prophylaxis of trichostrongylid infection afforded by low-dose phenothiazine given in two successive years to first-season calves on a common area of pasture. Research in Veterinary Science 43, 143–149.
Stromberg BE, Gasbarre LC, Waite A, Bechtol DT, Brown MS, Robinson NA, Olson EJ, Newcomb H (2012) Cooperia punctata: effect on cattle productivity? Veterinary Parasitology 183, 284–291.
| Cooperia punctata: effect on cattle productivity?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21821358PubMed |
Sutherland IA, Leathwick DM (2011) Anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of cattle: a global issue? Trends in Parasitology 27, 176–181.
| Anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of cattle: a global issue?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21168366PubMed |
Sutherland IA, Leathwick DM, Brown AE (1999) Moxidectin: persistence and efficacy against drug-resistant Ostertagia circumcincta. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 22, 2–5.
| Moxidectin: persistence and efficacy against drug-resistant Ostertagia circumcincta.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXisVKms7k%3D&md5=4004cd4e0a082b503c9d9cba91fbc63cCAS | 10211710PubMed |
Taylor L, Hodge A (2014) Descriptive findings from analysis of a large database of cattle worm egg count and larval culture results collected across Australia between 2002 and 2012. Veterinary Parasitology
| Descriptive findings from analysis of a large database of cattle worm egg count and larval culture results collected across Australia between 2002 and 2012.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24933468PubMed |
Taylor M, Hunt K, Goodyear K (2002) Anthelmintic resistance detection methods. Veterinary Parasitology 103, 183–194.
| Anthelmintic resistance detection methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXpt1ans78%3D&md5=69f3b1716b50b15b6d6757ad2f5a402fCAS | 11750111PubMed |
Turton JA (1969) Anthelmintic action of levamisole injection in cattle. The Veterinary Record 85, 264–265.
| Anthelmintic action of levamisole injection in cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaF1M3ptVyquw%3D%3D&md5=473a2bffb7c9cd26e6bef45b9d988ce8CAS | 4241601PubMed |
Van Zeveren AM, Casaert S, Alvinerie M, Geldhof P, Claerebout E, Vercruysse J (2007) Experimental selection for ivermectin resistance in Ostertagia ostertagi in cattle. Veterinary Parasitology 150, 104–110.
| Experimental selection for ivermectin resistance in Ostertagia ostertagi in cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXht1KjsbvO&md5=8e900f48577e818827e9eac26f48248cCAS | 17949912PubMed |
Vlassoff A, Brunsdon R (1981) Control of gastro-intestinal nematodes: advantages of a preventive over a protective anthelmintic drenching programme for lambs on pasture. New Zealand Journal of Experimental Agriculture 9, 221–225.
| Control of gastro-intestinal nematodes: advantages of a preventive over a protective anthelmintic drenching programme for lambs on pasture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Waghorn TS, Leathwick DM, Rhodes AP, Jackson R, Pomroy WE, West DM, Moffat JR (2006a) Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on 62 beef cattle farms in the North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 54, 278–282.
| Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on 62 beef cattle farms in the North Island of New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXmvFGmtg%3D%3D&md5=d5d23c8a311a00d1066266b8590f093aCAS | 17151725PubMed |
Waghorn TS, Leathwick DM, Rhodes AP, Jackson R, Pomroy WE, West DM, Moffat JR (2006b) Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on 62 beef cattle farms in the North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 54, 278–282.
| Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on 62 beef cattle farms in the North Island of New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXmvFGmtg%3D%3D&md5=d5d23c8a311a00d1066266b8590f093aCAS | 17151725PubMed |
Wrigley J, Mcarthur M, Mckenna PB, Mariadass B (2006) Resistance to a triple combination of broad-spectrum anthelmintics in naturally-acquired Ostertagia circumcincta infections in sheep. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 54, 47–49.
| Resistance to a triple combination of broad-spectrum anthelmintics in naturally-acquired Ostertagia circumcincta infections in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28Xis1Snsbc%3D&md5=d4cd543dc868f07e149625b2f99e7bbaCAS | 16528395PubMed |
