Parasite control in fibre goats - results of a postal questionnaire

Authors: Pearson AB, MacKenzie R
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 11, pp 198-199, Nov 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Goat, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Biosecurity, Disease surveillance, Epidemiology, Nematode, Parasites - internal
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: There is an acknowledged need for more information about nematode parasitism in goats in commerical farming systems. A recent New Zealand survey demonstrated widespread anthelmintic ineffectiveness in dairy goat herds, suspected to be due to anthelmintic resistance. Goat numbers in Canterbury have grown rapidly over the last three years, paralleling the national trend towards goat fibre production as a diversification option for sheep farmers. Anthelmintic ineffectiveness in goats and consequent evolution of resistant nematodes on these farms could pose a serious threat to the sheep industry, since cross-transmission of nematodes between goats and sheep readily occurs. Because there are no specific recommendations for goats, most Canterbury farmers tend to adopt similar parasite control measures to those they use for sheep. In order to obtain more information about parasitism in goats under these circumstances, we are monitoring management, parasite control practices, body-weights, faecal egg counts and mortalities on six South Canterbury farms. This study will be completed at the end of 1986. To select “typical” farms in October 1985 we sent postal questionnaires to a total of…

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