Alternative to synthetic antiparasitic drugs to reduce their use in ruminants

Abstract

Different groups of parasites (Helminths, Protozoa, Acarians and Insects) and the associated pathologies remain a main constraint on ruminant breeding. For decades, the control of these parasitic infections has mainly relied on synthetic antiparasitic drugs, developed and provided regularly by the pharmaceutical industry. However, this monolithic approach to control parasitism based on a quasi-exclusive reliance on chemical drugs is nowadays facing several limits. On the one hand, there is an increasing public demand to promote a more sustainable, agroecological agriculture aiming at lower chemical inputs. On the other hand, the phenomenon of resistance to antiparasitic drugs is an overall and constant process identified in the different groups of parasites. In this context, the new paradigm to control parasitic infections and their consequences in ruminants is based on the concept of integrated management combining different alternative solutions in addition to synthetic treatments. The aim of this review was to illustrate different alternative options, corresponding to different principles, based on 2 main parasitic models: gastro intestinal nematodes and insects affecting either small ruminants and/or cattle.