Outline two general methods of controlling helminths parasite in animals?

1. Anthelmintic medications: Anthelmintic medications are drugs that are specifically designed to kill or expel helminth parasites from the body of an animal. These medications can be administered orally, topically, or through injection, depending on the type of parasite and the species of animal being treated. Anthelmintic medications are available in various forms, including tablets, pastes, and injectables, and are typically prescribed by a veterinarian based on the specific needs of the animal.

2. Management practices: In addition to using anthelmintic medications, implementing good management practices can also help control helminth parasites in animals. This includes practices such as regular cleaning and disinfection of animal housing and equipment, proper waste management to prevent contamination of pastures and grazing areas, rotational grazing to reduce parasite burden on pastures, and maintaining good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of parasites between animals. Additionally, practices such as quarantine and screening of new animals before introducing them to a herd or flock can help prevent the introduction of new parasites to a group of animals.

Method 1: Chemotherapeutic Control

- Anthelmintics: Drugs that kill or expel helminth parasites from the host.
- Types of Anthelmintics:
- Benzimidazoles (e.g., albendazole, fenbendazole)
- Imidazothiazoles (e.g., levamisole)
- Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, moxidectin)
- Salicylic acid derivatives (e.g., niclosamide)

Method 2: Non-Chemotherapeutic Control

- Pasture Management:
- Rotational grazing: Moving animals to new pastures to minimize worm egg accumulation.
- Resting pastures: Allowing pastures to lie fallow for periods to reduce worm egg viability.
- Controlled grazing: Limiting the number of animals grazing on a pasture to reduce worm egg contamination.
- Genetic Resistance:
- Breeding animals for resistance to specific helminth parasites.
- Identifying and selecting animals with natural resistance through genetic testing.
- Hygiene Practices:
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of animal housing and equipment.
- Quarantine of newly acquired animals.
- Proper disposal of manure to reduce egg contamination of pasture and water sources.
- Nutritional Support:
- Providing adequate nutrition to enhance the animal's immune response and reduce susceptibility to parasites.
- Biological Control:
- Using beneficial organisms (e.g., dung beetles) to break down worm eggs and larvae in manure.