Author, Donkey
201
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
# To preserve drugs for the future
# To preserve drugs for the future
It is claimed that 99% of worms occur on the pasture, whereas 1% occur in the horse (Rose et al, 2000). This statement is equally applicable to the donkey and so no worm control programme should depend solely on drugs. It should also include good pasture and stable management:
It is claimed that 99% of worms occur on the pasture, whereas 1% occur in the horse (Rose et al, 2000). This statement is equally applicable to the donkey and so no worm control programme should depend solely on drugs. It should also include good pasture and stable management:
* Good stable hygiene
* Good pasture hygiene
* Rotational grazing, proper pasture management and harrowing pastures is most important
* Rotational grazing, proper pasture management and harrowing pastures (when weather conditions are optimal) is most important
* The use of a ‘biological vacuum’ (sheep<sup>3</sup> ) is still pertinent to ingest larvae on the pasture and is used on [http://wwww.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ the Donkey Sanctuary’s] land both in winter and early spring.
* The use of a ‘biological vacuum’ (sheep<sup>3</sup> ) is still pertinent to ingest larvae on the pasture and is used on [http://wwww.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ the Donkey Sanctuary’s] land both in winter and early spring.
* Removal of dung at least twice a week in the summer is carried out mechanically
* Removal of dung at least twice a week either manually or mechanically significantly reduces pasture contamination (Corbett et al)
* If donkeys are at pasture in the winter months then faecal sampling may need to be carried out throughout the year
* Faecal sampling should be conducted at least four times a year
* Grazing pasture should be rested at least five months of the year (the estimated survival time of cyathostomins)
* If donkeys are at pasture in the winter months then faecal sampling may need to be carried out throughout the year depending upon weather conditions
* Managing young stock, which has lower worm larva immunity, on separate pastures from older groups
* Grazing pasture should be rested for as much of the year as possible
* Managing young stock, which has lower natural immunity to parasites, on separate pastures from older groups
<sup>3</sup> The use of sheep may increase the incidence of the stomach worm ''Trichostrongylus axei'', but the pathogenecity of this species in donkeys is rarely a problem.
<sup>3</sup> The use of sheep may increase the incidence of the stomach worm ''Trichostrongylus axei'', but the pathogenecity of this species in donkeys is rarely a problem.
The above principles can be applied to donkeys in most cases. Owners should always be advised to consult their veterinary surgeon regarding periodicity of faecal sampling/worming with regard to their own specific circumstances.
Under tropical weather conditions in most developing countries, the dry season is not favourable for the development and survival of the freeliving and parasitic stages and so there is relatively little danger of acquiring infection at this time of year. Generally, animals have a high probability of acquiring infection from pasture during and immediately following wet seasons. Treating donkeys at the beginning and end of the rainy season therefore seems to be sufficient under such climatic conditions. This is usually practised in Ethiopia and other developing countries where the farmers cannot afford frequent treatment for their animals.
Under tropical weather conditions in most developing countries, the dry season is not favourable for the development and survival of the free living and parasitic stages and so there is relatively little danger of acquiring infection at this time of year. Generally, animals have a high probability of acquiring infection from pasture during and immediately following wet seasons. Treating donkeys at the beginning and end of the rainy season therefore seems to be sufficient under such climatic conditions. This is usually practised in Ethiopia and other developing countries where the farmers cannot afford frequent treatment for their animals.
The efficacy of worming strategies in any country should be carefully monitored by laboratory analysis and condition scoring. An epidemiological assessment of weight loss or anaemia should complement any monitoring process to determine the impact of dental disease and/or poor nutrition.
The efficacy of worming strategies in any country should be carefully monitored by laboratory analysis and condition scoring. An epidemiological assessment of weight loss or anaemia should complement any monitoring process to determine the impact of dental disease and/or poor nutrition.