Practical implementation of holistic internal parasite management in sheep

In spite of the availability of a range of worm control strategies in sheep to counter anthelmintic resistance (AR), implementation remains poor. The reasons include farmer perceptions of the relative importance of internal parasites, a preference for quick and easy solutions, an unwillingness to pay for advice rather than treatment, and a tendency to switch (change) drugs or use combinations. Parasitologists may give advice based largely on worm control not related to economic or practical realities and do not always convey a clear, unambiguous message. Advisors are frequently not well-informed enough to give holistic advice and may be biased because they also sell drugs. Pharmaceutical firms expect high volume turnover of their products and thereby encourage overuse and misuse. Fierce competition and the availability of generics have made drugs cheaper, and therefore, a seemingly good option. Combination drugs and long-acting drugs tend to cover up AR and shorten the useful life of a drug group. Drug registration and testing requirements have to be reviewed. A synopsis of possible solutions to these problems is given together with practical guidelines on how veterinary advisors should go about getting the holistic management of internal parasites of sheep implemented at the farm level.