Helminth control using local resources in smallholder production systems of Asia.
Practical helminth control in smallholder systems needs to match technical options with local knowledge, locally available animal and feed resources and the needs of both producers and consumers. Despite extensive research over many decades the uptake of new technology in these systems has been slow and limited to few farmers with access to good technical support. Investment by small holders is constrained by lack of regular market signals for livestock and livestock products. Examples of effective helminth control in cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig systems show that effective control is possible using local resources and knowledge. Livestock systems in Asia are changing rapidly through industrialisation of production and consolidation of supply chains and retail markets, but smallholder systems, which are resilient and multipurpose, will remain important in rural areas and in peri-urban environments. They also provide a significant pathway for the poor to build assets and generate income. Helminth control in these systems will always vary greatly between farmers and systems and will need to be relatively simple and tailored to locally available resources. The public sector will continue to provide advice on appropriate genetics, to regulate drug importation, use and quality, and ensure novel helminth control options are investigated for local application and promotion to livestock producers. The private sector has the complementary role to develop clear market signals for livestock and livestock products, and make anthelmintics available in appropriate packages. Improved helminth control has the potential to increase the profitability and sustainability of all components of the livestock sector.
Gray
G D
GD
POB 290, Kingscote, SA 5223, Australia. dougiegray@bigpond.com
Knox
M R
MR
Cargill
C
C
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D001208:Asia; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006374:Helminthiasis, Animal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*