Anti-parasitic use of sericea lespedeza and copper oxide wire particles in small ruminants

Abstract

Management of gastrointestinal parasitism in sheep and goats is a major challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in the current age of multi-drug anthelmintic resistance. Haemonchus contortus has gained substantial notoriety for its pathogenicity, as well as for its ability to develop resistance to all currently available classes of anthelmintics. As conventional pharmaceuticals continue to lose efficacy, alternative anti-parasitic strategies, such as feeding sericea lespedeza, a plant rich in condensed tannins, and administration of copper oxide wire particles, are gaining popularity in the United States.