The efficacy of a controlled-release albendazole capsule in suppressing nematode burdens in sheep.
An experiment was undertaken between July and November 1985 in East Gippsland, Victoria, to determine the efficacy of an intra-ruminal controlled-release albendazole capsule against naturally acquired worm burdens and larval challenge in Merino hoggets. Two groups of 20 sheep, one group untreated, the other dosed with a capsule were grazed together; 5 sheep from each group were slaughtered for total worm counts 30 and 101 d after capsules were administered. Serum anthelmintic concentrations, faecal egg counts and body weights were monitored. Most capsules were exhausted within 91 d of administration. During the estimated 80 d for which they remained active the capsules were highly effective against the benzimidazole-susceptible worm populations. Faecal egg counts were reduced to zero and total worm populations were reduced by over 97% 30 d after administration. By 101 d egg counts were increasing and worm counts indicated that sheep were becoming reinfected. Sheep treated with the capsules grew faster than those not treated.
Barton
N J
NJ
Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Bairnsdale, Victoria.
Rodden
B
B
Steel
J W
JW
D015766:Albendazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002214:Capsules; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011897:Random Allocation; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
D002214:Capsules; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D015766:Albendazole