Anti-parasitic benefit of nematophagous fungi and Haemonchus contortus vaccine in small ruminants

Abstract

As anthelmintic resistance continues to escalate, the need for alternative parasite control methods in small ruminant has increased. Copper oxide wire particles and sericea lespedeza are commercially available in the United States. Several other novel control methods, such as feeding nematophagous fungal chlamydospores, and vaccination against Haemonchus contortus, hold great promise for control of gastrointestinal nematode infections in small ruminants. The Haemonchus contortus vaccine is licensed for use in sheep in Australia, but is not yet available in the United States. Experiments conducted around the world have demonstrated the excellent nematode controlling advantages of feeding Duddingtonia flagrans chlamydospores to grazing livestock. A commercially available product is expected to be available in the near future.