Efficacy of two anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected goats in a pastoral Karamoja region, Uganda

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) and ivermectin (IVM) against  gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in naturally infected goats in the pastoral region of Karamoja, Uganda. Fifty  four (54) small East African goats (female = 36, male = 18), of 4-6 months and from 18 flocks, were allocated  to treatment groups (albendazole, ivermectin and untreated control), by a randomized complete block design.  Each group included 18 goats and treatments were administered according to weight of each goat, with 5  Mg/Mg bw albendazole and 0.2Mg/Kg bw ivermectin. Fecal egg counts (FEC), expressed as eggs per gram and  larval cultures were done on day zero before treatment and on day 13 post-treatment. Anthelmintic efficacy  was determined by the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). ABZ and IVM reduced FEC by 81.03 and 96.55%, respectively. The results indicated that nematode resistance was present in the ABZ group. Coproculture results following albendazole treatment showed that only Haemonchus spp . survived treatment. Information from 60 pastoralists indicated that reduced efficacy of the drugs could be due to prolonged and frequent use of the same anthelmintic and under dosing. Steps should be taken to limit the spread of resistant nematodes and to restore anthelmintic efficacy. Key words : Anthelmintic resistance, albendazole, goats, ivermectin, pastoralists