Strongyle anthelmintic resistance in horses and cattle from Greece

Gastrointestinal nematode parasitism is an important cause of livestock disease, reduced productivity and welfare. In most cases, control of parasites is based on the use of anthelmintics or on the combination of anthelmintics and pasture management or recently, other alternatives to the use of chemicals. However, the frequent use of anthelmintics can select for resistant nematodes. Anthelmintic resistant nematodes have been described throughout the world from many farm animals including sheep, goats, horses, cattle and pigs. In contrast to sheep, goats and horses, where plenty cases of anthelmintic resistance have been reported, only very few cases have been reported in cattle. The presence of resistant parasites in cattle still remains a sporadic phenomenon, partly because of the relatively unfrequent use of anthelmintics in this animal species [4].