Management Practices for Controlling Nematode Parasites of Small Ruminants

Gastrointestinal nematodes infect ruminant livestock throughout the world and are an important cause of disease and production loss. Since their invention, producers have heavily relied on broad spectrum anthelmintics to help control these parasites, however, intensive use has resulted in widespread resistance issues in nematode populations, especially Haemonchus contortus. Addressing the concerns of anthelmintic resistance, this book brings together research on management practices for controlling these nematodes in small ruminants. It covers: - The nematodes of greatest importance, such as Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, and Trichostrongylous spp., which frequently result in parasitic gastroenteritis; - Alternative approaches for nematode control, including the importance of adequate nutrition, methods for reducing pasture contamination, the role of genetics, grazing management systems and different forages; - Insights from the cattle industry, and where lessons can be learned across the species divide. With a focus on all small ruminants; sheep, goats and camelids, this book provides a useful resource for researchers and students of veterinary science, as well as practicing veterinarians and extension specialists.

James Miller is a retired Emeritus Professor for Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine where he taught and conducted research from 1984-2017. He received a B.S. degree (Biology) from the University of New Mexico, and D.V.M., M.P.V.M. (Preventive Medicine) and Ph.D (Parasitology) degrees from the University of California, Davis. He is board certified in parasitology in the American College of Veterinary Microbiology. He was the Everett D. Besch Endowed Professor of Veterinary Medicine and served as the Interim Dean for Research and Advanced Studies After retirement he elected to remain an active participant on several projects. He is a founding member (2001) of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (www.wormx.info). He is author and/or co-author of numerous refereed journal articles, technical/report papers, proceedings papers, abstracts and book chapters. He has been a research collaborator with national and international organizations. He is affiliated with several professional organizations and participates as a consultant on two United States Department of Agriculture National Projects: Multi-state Project (NC-214, Increased Efficiency of Sheep Production) and Southern Coordinating Committee (SCC-81, Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Southeastern U.S). His research interests have been epidemiology, control, and genetics of ruminant nematode parasitism and during his active career his research program focused on improving ruminant production using an integrated approach to controlling parasites, specifically gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants.

Joan Burke is a Research Animal Scientist with United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Station since 1999. She received a B.S. degree (Animal Science) from Cornell University and Ph.D. degree from Oregon State University. She is a founding member (2001) of the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control. She conducts research on small ruminants with a focus on holistic gastrointestinal nematode. parasite control. She has published research articles, fact sheets and contributed to outreach events on management of gastrointestinal nematode parasites including using FAMACHA, copper oxide wire particles, sericea lespedeza, rotational grazing, genetic and genomic selection for parasite resistance, resilience and tolerance, and Duddingtonia flagrans (nematode-trapping fungus) as alternatives for traditional anthelmintic use. The genetic resistance of Katahdin sheep to nematode parasites led to collection of genotypes that were developed into genomic-enhanced estimated breeding values in the National Sheep Improvement Program.

Susan Schoenian is a retired Sheep & Goat Specialist for University of Maryland Extension. She joined the University in 1988 as a county extension agent after receiving a B.S. degree (Animal Science) from Virginia Tech and a M.S. degree (Animal Science) from Montana State University. She had a 100 percent extension appointment and conducted education programs for youth and adults in all aspects of small ruminants, including integrated parasite management (IPM). She conducted the Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test and conducted production studies with both goats and sheep. Her international experiences include Brazil, China, Egypt, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Poland, Russia, South Africa, and various Caribbean islands. She is the author of several web and social media pages pertaining to small ruminants including the Maryland Small Ruminant Page (www.sheepandgoat.com) and Sheep 101. She maintains the web site for the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control. She raises Katahdin sheep on her small farm in Western Maryland.