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The efficacy of a controlled‐release albendazole capsule in suppressing nematode burdens in sheep
Author(s) -
BARTON NJ,
RODDEN B.,
STEEL JW
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1990.tb03031.x
Subject(s) - albendazole , anthelmintic , capsule , nematode , biology , veterinary medicine , zoology , haemonchus contortus , feces , helminths , medicine , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology , botany
SUMMARY An experiment was undertaken between July and November 1985 in East Gippsland, Victoria, to determine the efficacy of an intra‐ruminal controlled‐release albendazole capsule against naturally acquired worm burdens and larval challenge in Merino hoggets. Two groups of 20 sheep, one group untreated, the other dosed with a capsule were grazed together; 5 sheep from each group were slaughtered for total worm counts 30 and 101 d after capsules were administered. Serum anthelmintic concentrations, faecal egg counts and body weights were monitored. Most capsules were exhausted within 91 d of administration. During the estimated 80 d for which they remained active the capsules were highly effective against the benzimidazolesusceptible worm populations. Faecal egg counts were reduced to zero and total worm populations were reduced by over 97% 30 d after administration. By 101 d egg counts were increasing and worm counts indicated that sheep were becoming reinfected. Sheep treated with the capsules grew faster than those not treated.