B.GOA.0130-FECPAC validation for use in goats

Summary

Worm control is a difficult practise in goat production, partly due to the goat’s differing behaviour and metabolism from other grazing herbivores and the lack of registered anthelmintic products for the species. This results in poor goat welfare and productivity, as well as issues with residue limits of anthelmintics in goat meat samples, which poses a risk to the ongoing export trade.

This study compared the results of worm egg count testing in goats between FECPAK^G2 and Mini-FLOTAC methods to determine the most effective method of worm identification in Australian goats.

Worm egg counts using the two methods were very similar across the five-week trial. The key features of this testing method result in higher quality assurance, lower cost, greater convenience and lower biosecurity risk for both animals and humans compared to conventional methods.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to validate the use of FECPAK^G2 for worm egg counts in goats by comparing it to Mini-FLOTAC method, which is the current standard for international research worm egg counts for livestock.

This was done by statistical analysis of repeat (within method) and comparison (between method) results. Pooled samples were also compared to individual worm egg counts.

Key findings

• The results of repeated worm egg counting over the five-week study showed that, despite unfamiliarity with FECPAK^G2 in the early part of the trial by participating producers, there was very high correlation between the two different methods after three weeks, indicating improved accuracy after familiarisation of the investigator with the new technology.
• A range of worm genera was observed:
  • Haemonchus, Teladorsagia, Trichostrongylus and Chabertia were observed in larval cultures
  • Nematodirus eggs were observed in worm egg counts.
• Results of the pooled samples across the nine mobs were very similar to the mean of the individual counts for both methods, with a trend towards higher correlation for the FECPAK^G2 method.

Benefits to industry

A key advantage of the FECPAK^G2 testing method is that it can be done at the point of care on-farm or at a nearby service provider without the need for sending dung samples through the mail to an accredited laboratory, or risking inaccurate results being done by an unaccredited provider.

Adoption of FECPAK^G2 for routine monitoring of goat worm burdens and for testing the efficacy of drenches will lead to improved worm control in Australian goats.

MLA action

This project links to MLA’s wider faecal egg count program of work across Australia’s red meat species, which aims to monitor and control gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle, sheep and goats.

Results of this project have been communicated to industry, to help increase adoption of the FECPAK^G2 method for monitoring intestinal worm loads in Australian goats.

Future research

Adoption of FECPAK^G2 for both routine monitoring of goat worm burdens and for testing the efficacy of drenches will lead to improved worm control in goats. This will in turn improve productivity and reduce the risk of violations of residues in goat meat or unacceptable animal welfare outcomes that threaten the sustainability of the Australian goat industry.

Adoption activities should aim to educate producers and promote routine use of worm egg counts using FECPAK^G2. This model has already been adopted by about 60 providers in Australia, but the rate of testing is still very low.

Related resources

MLA articles

• Study validates on-farm parasite test, Goats on the Move newsletter, 27 November 20

Product information

• FECPAKG2
• Mini-FLOTAC