Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites: an epidemiological approach to build a framework for sustainable parasite control



Lester, Hannah
Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites: an epidemiological approach to build a framework for sustainable parasite control. PhD thesis, University of Liverpool.

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Abstract

Faecal egg count (FEC) directed targeted anthelmintic treatment programmes and regular efficacy testing using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) have been advocated to support evidence-based helminth control in horses. One major hurdle to their widespread application is that horse owners/managers and those that prescribe anthelmintics may have insufficient knowledge on which to base evidence-based protocols. The ultimate aim of this study was to create a framework for a decision support system (DSS) to support evidence-based helminth control in horses. To create the framework, the diagnostic performance of FEC and FECRT methodologies were evaluated. In addition, the efficacy of the three licensed anthelmintic classes was tested in several equine populations. The prevalence and distribution of helminths was determined in these populations, and an analysis undertaken to investigate factors associated with different levels of strongyle egg shedding in individuals. The consistency of egg shedding patterns in individuals over time was evaluated and the resource implications of following a FEC directed targeted treatment investigated. The FEC analysis findings support the rationale of FEC directed targeted anthelmintic treatments in horses to reduce treatment frequency in order to mitigate the impact of anthelmintic resistance. Moreover, the results show that such a strategy may be cost effective. The efficacy studies revealed that the macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics were highly effective in reducing strongyle egg output at two weeks after treatment, but further studies are required to analyse the strongyle egg reappearance period after treatment with these anthelmintics. In summary, this study validates the use of FEC directed treatment protocols in the field and the next step will be to use the derived information to design user-friendly online support tools.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Additional Information: Date: 2015-10-05 (completed)
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 14 Jan 2016 15:25
Last Modified: 17 Dec 2022 01:33
DOI: 10.17638/02029559
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/2029559