Authors : Fikru Regassa, Lelisa Kebede, Gezhagn Mamo, Bersisa Kumsa and Takele Beyene
Abstract: The study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of commonly used anthelmintics (Albendazole, tetramisole and ivermectin) against gastrointestinal nematodes of naturally infected sheep and goats in central Oromia. About 40 sheep and 40 goats were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each: The 1st group treated with albendazole, the 2nd with tetramisole, the 3rd with ivermectin and the 4th served as the untreated control group. Faecal samples were collected on day 0 before treatment and again day on 10 post treatment. Efficacy for each anthelmintic was determined by the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). Assessment was also made on handling of these drugs by questionnaire to 50 randomly selected farmers in 6 peasant associations. The study indicated the efficacy of albendazole was 100% in both sheep and goats; ivermectin was 100% effective in goats but 95.7% in sheep where as efficacy of tetramisole was 96.6 and 97% for sheep and goats, respectively indicating a good state of efficacy of these anthelmintics. Nevertheless, there was complaint of anthelmintic drug treatment failure that could be due to improper treatment. A questionnaire survey conducted to gather information on control practices of gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants’ revealed lack of basic awareness among owners about the correct use and efficacy of anthelmintics. In addition, it indicated that farmers in the study area apply many practices that may lower the efficacy of anthelmintics and favor the emergence of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, this study discusses on threats of anthelmintics resistance development due to incorrect drug use and handling practice observed during the study and identified important small ruminant parasite profile in the study area.
Fikru Regassa, Lelisa Kebede, Gezhagn Mamo, Bersisa Kumsa and Takele Beyene, 2013. Efficacy of Commonly Used Anthelmintic Drugs in Naturally Infected Sheep and Goats in Central Oromia, Ethiopia. Research Journal of Pharmacology, 7: 48-53.