| dc.description.abstract | Anthelmintic resistant cyathostomes are a growing problem world wide. There is a wide spread resistance against benzimidazoles and pyrantel pamoate. Macrocyclic Lactones (ML’) seem to be the only anthelmintics that still have a high efficacy against these worms. In the Netherlands the same problems occur. This is why this research internship was done at this time. This 3 months during research internship is part of an ongoing research that aims to find an early detection of resistance of cyathostomes against ML’s. Within this research a total of 20 horse farms has been investigated. Part of this investigation was a questionnaire with questions regarding subjects linked to resistance development. At the same time the horses on the farms were pooled and their faeces where examined on Eggs Per Gram (EPG) and Larvae Per Gram (LPG). If there was a positive egg or larvae count a Fecal Egg Count Reduction test(FECRT) was performed to establish ML resistance. At the same time some molecular lab methods where performed; the Larval Migration Inhibition Assay (LMIA) and the Reverse Line Blot (RLB). These methods were developed to harvest larvae that were selected for resistance and to determine the different species of cyathostomes. The knowledge which comes from the results from such investigations can be used to create more insight in the epidemiology and biology of the cyathostomes. The results from the questionnaire showed that there is a lack of knowledge amongst horse owners concerning the epidemiology of the cyathostomes, the pasture management and the deworming policy as it should be. On 3 of the 20 investigated farms a FECRT was performed, al with a reduction percentage of almost 100%. So far, resistance could not be determined on these 20 farms. Further investigation is needed, not only for the early detection of resistance, but also to enlarge the know how on the horse farms as a tool against resistance development. At the same time, veterinarians should be more active in their roles as advisors in this subject. They should try to change the horse owners perspective in the treatment of worms using transparent information and guidance. The importance of treatment guided by monitoring the faeces in stead of blind treatments should be emphasized to the horse owners. In this way there is a chance development of resistance could be slowed down. | |
