[The resistance status of gastrointestinal strongyles against anthelmintics in three Estonian sheep flocks].
Poor efficacy of anthelmintic drugs in sheep due to infections with resistant gastrointestinal strongyles is reported worldwide. The aim of this pilot study was to gain an insight into the current situation of anthelmintic efficacy in Estonian sheep flocks. From September to November 2012, faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) were carried out in three Estonian sheep farms, evaluating the efficacy of albendazole and ivermectin. Individual faecal samples were taken at the day of treatment and 10 to 14 days later and examined by a modified McMaster technique. Anthelmintic treatment was carried out with ivermectin (Bimectin 10 mg/ml, Bimeda Chemicals Export) subcutaneously with a dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg of body weight in the IVM group (n = 20 animals/farms 1 and 2; n = 5 for farm 3) or albendazol (Endospec 10%, Bimeda Chemicals Export) orally in the dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight in the ALB group (n = 20 animals/ farm); animals in the control group (n = 20 animals for farms 1 and 3, n = 18 for farm 2) were left untreated. The FECRT was carried out according to the WAAVP guidelines. On farm 1 the efficacy of albendazole and ivermectin was reduced with 66% and 65% FECR, respectively. With a FECR of 26% the results of farm 2 showed a pronounced albendazole resistance while ivermectin was still sufficiently efficient (99% reduction). Farm 3 showed nearly 100% efficacy of albendazole and ivermectin, but earlier problems with high endoparasite burden and mortality may indicate a possible developing albendazole resistance which could not be detected with the FECRT yet. The results of this study show that in Estonia resistance against benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones does occur, indicating that close countrywide monitoring is advisable.
Institut for Parasitologie, Department für Pathobiologie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien.
Ann Mari
AM
Anupöld
Institut for Parasitologie, Department für Pathobiologie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien.
Barbara
B
Hinney
Institut for Parasitologie, Department für Pathobiologie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien.
Anja
A
Joachim
D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004957:Estonia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000494:pharmacology; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012756:Sheep / Q000469:parasitology*; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D013323:Strongylus / Q000187:drug effects*
D000871:Anthelmintics; D007559:Ivermectin