Deworming Strategies: A comparison of Deworming Schedule and Target Selective Treatment in Animals
Niranjan Kumar
Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Parasitology
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Navsari-396 450
E-mail I.D.: niruvet@gmail.com
Abstract: Deworming is an essential practice to maintain the health and productivity of animals. However, the indiscriminate use of anthelmintic drugs has led to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites, posing a significant threat to animal health and welfare. To address this challenge, a selective deworming approach that targets specific animals based on their individual risk factors has gained popularity in recent years. This approach involves regular monitoring and testing of animals, followed by targeted treatment of only those individuals that test positive for parasites. The implementation of such a strategy requires a well-designed deworming schedule, which considers the parasite epidemiology and the specific needs of the target population. This abstract discusses the importance of implementing a targeted selective deworming approach in animals, including its advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it highlights the critical factors that should be considered when developing a deworming schedule and provides an overview of the various strategies that can be used to monitor and test animals. Overall, the implementation of a well-designed deworming schedule and targeted selective treatment approach is crucial in reducing the overuse of anthelmintic drugs, promoting sustainable parasite control, and improving the health and productivity of animals.
Key words: deworming schedule, target selective treatment, anthelmintics
Introduction
Deworming schedule is an important element of maintaining the health of pets and livestock. Parasitic worms, also known as helminths, can cause a range of health issues in animals, such as diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and even death. Consequently, regular deworming is necessary to control worm infestations and ensure the general well-being of animals. Though the concept of deworming animals is not novel, it has been practiced for centuries. In ancient times, people used natural remedies such as garlic, pumpkin seeds, and herbs to deworm animals. In recent years, the science and technology behind deworming have significantly advanced, enabling veterinarians to provide effective and targeted treatments for parasitic infections.
The deworming schedule can vary depending on the animal’s age, lifestyle, the type of worms being targeted, and the specific animal species. Today, deworming is a standard practice in animal healthcare, and there are numerous deworming medications and treatment options available. Veterinarians use diagnostic tools such as faecal exams, blood tests, and imaging studies to diagnose parasitic infections and determine the appropriate treatment. Deworming medications come in different forms such as tablets, liquids, and topical treatments, and are often customized to the particular parasite being targeted.
The significance of deworming animals has gained wider recognition in recent years as researchers have studied the impact of parasitic infections on animal health and welfare. Left untreated, parasitic infections can cause a range of health problems in animals, from mild symptoms such as diarrhoea and weight loss to severe conditions such as anemia and organ damage, which could be fatal in some cases.
Here are some general guidelines for deworming different types of animals:
- Dogs and cats: Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every 2-3 weeks from the age of 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age. During this time, they are highly susceptible to roundworms and hookworms, which can be transmitted from their mother or from the environment. After 12 weeks of age, they should be dewormed monthly until they are 6 months old. After 6 months, they should be dewormed at least once every three months. Outdoor pets or pets with a history of worm infestations may need more frequent deworming.
- Horses: Horses should be dewormed every 6-8 weeks, or according to the recommendations of a veterinarian. The deworming schedule can vary depending on the horse’s age, health, and environment. Young horses may need more frequent deworming than older horses, as they are more susceptible to worm infestations. Additionally, horses that are stabled or have limited grazing may require more frequent deworming.
- Cattle: Cattle should be dewormed at least twice a year, with a spring and fall deworming. The exact timing and frequency of deworming can vary depending on the herd’s management and location. Some areas may have a higher risk of worm infestations, and may require more frequent deworming. It is important to work with a veterinarian to determine the best deworming schedule for your cattle.
- Sheep and goats: Sheep and goats should be dewormed at least twice a year, with a spring and fall deworming. The exact timing and frequency of deworming can vary depending on the herd’s management and location. Some areas may have a higher risk of worm infestations, and may require more frequent deworming. It is important to work with a veterinarian to determine the best deworming schedule for your sheep and goats.
Advantages of deworming schedule:
- Prevents health issues: Deworming on a regular schedule helps prevent various health issues such as weight loss, anemia, diarrhea, and even death in animals.
- Protects human health: Certain parasitic worms in animals can cause human diseases, and regular deworming helps to prevent transmission to humans.
- Improved animal welfare: Deworming helps to improve the overall welfare of animals and prevent discomfort and pain caused by parasitic infections.
- Cost-effective: Treating a parasitic infection is often more expensive than deworming, making deworming a cost-effective preventative measure.
- Convenient: A Deworming Schedule is convenient since it doesn’t require diagnostic testing to identify specific parasites, and it can be implemented easily.
Disadvantages of deworming schedule:
- Overuse of medications: Frequent use of deworming medication can lead to the development of drug-resistant parasites.
- Adverse effects: Deworming medications can have adverse effects on animals, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.
- Environmental impact: Excreted deworming medications can contaminate the environment and affect non-target organisms.
- Risk of overdose: If not administered correctly, overdosing on deworming medication can cause harm to the animal.
- Unnecessary treatment: Not all animals require deworming, and over-treating animals can be harmful to their health.
Target selective treatment is an approach to controlling parasitic worm infections in animals that involves identifying and treating only those animals that are infected with specific types of worms. This approach is based on the results of diagnostic tests such as faecal exams, blood tests, or imaging studies, which can determine the type of parasite present in the animal’s body. Once the type of worm is identified, a targeted treatment is administered to kill the specific parasite. Target selective treatment has several advantages over traditional deworming schedules, as well as some potential disadvantages. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of this approach:
Advantages of target selective treatment:
- Targeted and effective: Target selective treatment is a more targeted and effective approach to treating parasitic worm infections since only infected animals are treated. This reduces the risk of overuse of medication and drug resistance in parasites, which is a growing concern in the animal health industry.
- Lower risk of adverse reactions: By treating only infected animals, there is a lower chance of adverse reactions to medications since healthy animals are not exposed to unnecessary treatments.
- Cost-effective: Target selective treatment can be cost-effective since medication is only administered to those animals that need it.
- More accurate diagnosis and treatment: Diagnostic testing can identify the specific parasite present in an animal’s body, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Customizable treatment: Since each animal is treated based on their specific parasite infection, the treatment can be customized to the animal’s needs.
Disadvantages of target selective treatment:
- Expensive and time-consuming diagnostic testing: Diagnostic testing can be expensive and time-consuming, which can be a disadvantage for some animal owners.
- Risk of false-negative results: There is a risk of false-negative results if the parasite is not shedding eggs or larvae at the time of the test, which can lead to missed infections.
- Risk of missing asymptomatic infections: There is a risk of missing infections in animals that are asymptomatic or have low parasite burdens, which can result in untreated infections.
- Increased risk of transmission: Since only infected animals are treated, there is an increased risk of transmission of parasites to other animals that are not treated.
Overall, target selective treatment can be a valuable approach to controlling parasitic worm infections in animals, but it is important to consider the specific needs of the animal and seek veterinary advice before administering any medications. Diagnostic testing can be an effective way to identify specific parasites and provide a more targeted treatment, but it is important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before pursuing this approach.
Which one is better deworming schedule or target selective treatment?
The choice between a deworming schedule or target selective treatment depends on several factors, including the animal’s age, lifestyle, risk of exposure to parasites, and the specific parasites present in the animal’s body. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision should be based on the animal’s individual needs.
A deworming schedule may be appropriate for animals that are at high risk of exposure to parasites, such as animals that live in crowded or unsanitary conditions or animals that have access to contaminated food or water sources. In these situations, regular deworming can help prevent parasitic infections and maintain the overall health of the animal. On the other hand, target selective treatment may be more appropriate for animals that have a low risk of exposure to parasites or for those with a known parasite infection. In these situations, targeted treatment can help reduce the risk of overuse of medication and drug resistance in parasites, as well as reduce the risk of adverse reactions to medication.
Conclusion
Deworming is an essential part of animal healthcare, and veterinarians and animal owners must remain vigilant in preventing and treating parasitic infections to maintain the health and wellbeing of animals. The deworming schedule can vary depending on the individual animal’s needs. Ensure the correct medication and doses are administered to prevent any adverse effects. Additionally, deworming should be done only when necessary and in compliance with environmental and animal welfare regulations. The choice between a deworming schedule and target selective treatment should be made in consultation with a veterinarian who can assess the animal’s individual needs and recommend the most appropriate approach. Veterinary diagnostic testing can help identify the specific parasites present in an animal’s body and guide the treatment plan, whether that involves a regular deworming schedule or target selective treatment.
Selected references
Edith, R., Harikrishnan, T.J. and Balagangatharathilagar, M. (2018). Targeted selective treatment (TST): A promising approach to combat anthelmintic resistance in farm animals. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies; 6(1): 844-847.
Shrestha, U.T., Adhikari, N., Kafle, S., Shrestha, N., Banjara, M.R., Steneroden, K., Bowen, R., Rijal, K.R., Adhikari, B. and Ghimire, P. (2020). Effect of deworming on milk production in dairy cattle and buffaloes infected with gastrointestinal parasites in the Kavrepalanchowk district of central Nepal. Veterinary Record Open, 7(1): e000380.
van Wyk, J.A., Hoste, H., Kaplan, R.M., Besier, R.B. (2006). Targeted selective treatment for worm management-how do we sell rational programs to farmers? Veterinary Parasitology, 139(4): 336-346.
