Clinical trial to determine efficacy of copper oxide wire particle administration to decrease gastrointestinal nematode concentrations in adult alpacas

Abstract

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasitism, particularly Haemonchus contortus infection, is of grave concern to producers due to its ability to dramatically decrease the productivity and profitability of livestock. With increasing resistance to commonly used antihelmintics, it is important to investigate alternative GIN therapy methods. Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) administered as an oral bolus are effective at decreasing fecal egg counts and H. contortus concentrations in sheep and goats. The use of this alternative method of parasite control has not been evaluated in new world camelids. The purpose of this study was to determine if COWP administered as an oral bolus would effectively decrease fecal GIN egg counts in adult alpacas.