Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes in Polish goat herds assessed by the larval development test

Abstract

Background Helminthic infections, in particular those caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), are found worldwide and are among the most economically important diseases of goats. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in GIN of goats is currently present worldwide, and single- or multidrug resistant species are widespread. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AR to benzimidazoles (BZ), macrocyclic lactones (ML) and imidazothiazoles represented by levamisole (LEV) in the Polish goat herds by using an in vitro larval development test, which is useful especially in large-scale epidemiological surveys. Results This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to June 2019 and enrolled 42 dairy goat herds scattered over the entire country. The most commonly used anthelmintic class in goat herds in Poland were BZ (92%), followed by ML (85%) and LEV (13%). BZ-resistant GIN populations were found in 37 herds (88%, CI 95%: 75 to 95%), ML-resistant GIN populations in 40 herds (95%, CI 95, 84 to 99%), and LEV-resistant GIN populations in 5 herds (12%, CI 95%: 5 to 25%). Multidrug resistance involving all three anthelmintic classes was found in 5 herds (12%, CI 95, 5 to 25%). Based on the morphological features of stage 3 larvae the main resistant GIN turned out to be Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. The use of BZ and frequency of anthelmintic treatments were significantly related to the presence of AR to BZ in Polish goat herds. Conclusions This cross-sectional study demonstrates the existence of AR to BZ, ML and LEV on Polish goat farms. Resistance to BZ and ML is widespread, while AR to LEV is currently at a low level. A considerable proportion of herds harbours multidrug resistant GIN, which requires further consideration. An effective anthelmintic treatment strategy, reasonable preventive measures and better understanding of the resistance-related management practices by farmers and veterinarians may delay further development of AR.

Anthelmintic resistance status of goat gastrointestinal nematodes in Sing Buri Province, Thailand

“…Frequent anthelmintic use was reported as the most important cause of AR development [18,22,23]. An optimum frequency for dairy goats of 2-3 times a year was proposed by Lespine et al [24].…”

First Report of Anthelmintic Resistance in Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Goats in Romania

“…It has been suggested that using the IC 99 /LC 99 or the DC values in the in vitro tests such as EHT or LDT can substantially increase the sensitivity and identify resistance when only a small proportion of the GINs population is resistant [35,37,[51][52][53]. A similar resistance classification criterion was successfully implemented in AR field studies [7,14,21,22,24,25,48]. For the present study, we adopted threshold values accepted in the scientific literature.…”

“…Thus far, the resistance to MLs has been reported in Europe in goat herds from Denmark [58], Czech Republic [22], Scotland [59], Slovakia [34,60], Switzerland [17,[61][62][63], Germany [63], and Poland [7,24,25] on a timespan of almost 30 years. This implies that the ML resistance might be spread throughout Europe, but its prevalence is still at a lower level than in case of BZs [2,6].…”

“…Therefore, the increase in MDR among GINs and the lack of sufficiently effective alternative methods of control and prophylaxis of parasitic infections are an increasing threat to small ruminant health and production around the globe [8,9]. For example, resistance of GINs to one or more anthelmintic classes in goats has so far been described in many European countries including Great Britain [10], the Netherlands [11], Spain [12], Italy [13], Lithuania [14], France [15,16], Switzerland [17], Denmark [18], Norway [19], Germany [20], Slovakia [21], Czech Republic [22], and Poland [7,[23][24][25]. The situation is similar in goat herds outside of Europe as described in USA [26], South Africa [27], Kenya [28], Cuba [29], Malaysia [30], India [31], Australia [32], and New Zealand [33].…”

Anthelmintic Resistance and Its Mechanism: A Review

“… 8 In Europe, the results of many scientific studies indicate, to variable extents, an increase of helminth resistance against the well-known groups of anthelmintic which are benzimidazoles, tetrahydropyrimidines, and imidazothiazoles and macrocyclic lactones. The cross-sectional study conducted by Mickiewicz et al 9 revealed the presence of AR to BZ, ML, and LEV on Polish goat farms, in which the resistance is widespread to BZ and ML, while the resistance to LEV is at a low level. Potârniche et al 2 also reported the resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes against MLs and BZs, in goats in Romania, which is the first report in the country.…”