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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #409623
Research Project: Sustainable Small Farm and Organic Grass and Forage Production Systems for Livestock and Agroforestry

Location: Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center

Title: 2019 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Goat study: Distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes

Author
item MILLER, JAMES - Louisiana State University
item AVERY, RYAN - Louisiana State University
item Burke, Joan

Submitted to: American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2023
Publication Date: 9/13/2024
Citation: Miller, J., Avery, R., Burke, J.M. 2024. 2019 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Goat study: Distribution of gastrointestinal nematodes. American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae019.100.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae019.100

Interpretive Summary: One of the greatest health issues facing small ruminants is infection with gastrointestinal parasites. One objective of the 2019 USDA NAHMS goat study was to describe practices producers use to control gastrointestinal parasites and reduce anthelmintic resistance through the examination of dewormer efficacy via fecal egg count reduction tests and cultures. The fecal cultures were used to determine which GIN were present across the areas of the US. Gastrointestinal parasites found were Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum and Nematodirus; also found were lungworms. These findings provide insight into prevalence of parasites in goats.

Technical Abstract: One objective of the USDA NAHMS 2019 Goat study was to describe practices producers use to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and reduce anthelmintic resistance through the examination of anthelmintic treatment efficacy via fecal egg count reduction tests and fecal cultures. The fecal cultures were used to determine what GIN were present across the areas of the US included in the study (September 2019-April 2020). Bulk cultures were processed from 318 operations in 26 states and results were consolidated into 4 regions: Northwest (3 states, 34 operations), Northeast (10 states, 89 operations), Southeast (10 states, 132 operations) and Southwest (3 states, 63 operations). GIN identification included Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum and Nematodirus. In addition to GIN, lungworm presence was also noted. Haemonchus were found on 18.6% of the operations (Northwest, 27.0%; Northeast, 13.1%; Southeast, 15.9% and Southwest, 29.2%). Trichostrongylus were found on 97.2% of the operations (Northwest, 100%; Northeast, 98%; Southeast, 97% and Southwest, 95.7%). Teladorsagia were found on 80.3% of the operations (Northwest, 97.1%; Northeast, 71.6%; Southeast, 88.6% and Southwest (75.7%). Oesophagostomum were found on 38.2% of the operations (Northwest, 73.1%; Northeast, 39.6%, Southeast, 46.4% and Southwest, 15.5%). Nematodirus were found on 7% of the operations (Northwest, 7%; Northeast, 5.2%, Southeast, 20.8% and Southwest, 0%). Lungworms were found on 35.4% of the operations (Northwest, 69.1%; Northeast, 52.2%, Southeast, 33.4% and Southwest, 8.3%). Due to sampling logistics, fecal collection was conducted during autumn through early spring which may have influenced number of more pathogenic GIN. This study provided valuable insight into regional prevalence of GIN in goats. In depth analyses continues and will be forthcoming.