Goats grazing in pastures are inevitably exposed to parasites – especially gastrointestinal strongyles. In recent years, increasing resistance to deworming medications has been observed across Europe, jeopardizing animal health and the profitability of farms. At the same time, many goat farms continued to employ strategies that promote resistance, such as routine whole-herd treatments. The ParaGÖAT addressed precisely this issue: It aimed to assess the status quo, evaluate the resistance situation, and develop practical, sustainable control strategies.
The project comprised several interconnected building blocks:
Survey of veterinarians and goat farmers:
Initially, information was collected on management, deworming strategies, pasture management, and advisory structures. 273 goat farmers and 91 veterinarians participated.
Prevalence and diagnostic studies on 58 farms:
Fecal samples were analyzed from young and adult goats. Farms with higher infestation levels underwent detailed investigations, including larval cultures and qPCR to identify parasite species.
Egg count reduction tests (ECRT) were conducted on 21 farms:
This standardized method assesses the effectiveness of deworming medications. Health parameters were also recorded – including Body Condition Score (BCS), FAMACHA© score, and indications of diarrhea.
Evaluation of alternative strategies:
In a supplementary feeding trial, it was tested whether protein-enriched supplementary feeding around the time of birth can strengthen the resilience of mother goats against parasites.
Selected results and practical implementation recommendations
Pasture parasites were widespread – and Haemonchus was dominant
. Gastrointestinal strogylids were detected on 97% of the farms. Surprisingly, there were hardly any differences between young and adult goats. The average egg count was over 1,000 eggs per gram (EPG), indicating a high level of protection against infection.
Particularly concerning:
Haemonchus contortus was the dominant species on most farms. In some samples, it even accounted for over 90% of the larvae detected. This species is considered particularly pathogenic and prone to resistance.
Anthelmintic resistance was widespread
The EZRT clearly showed that
the effectiveness of eprinomectin – the only active ingredient approved for use in goats in Austria – was reduced on all farms examined.
Resistance to moxidectin was also detected on one farm.
These results demonstrated a critical resistance situation that required a rapid change of thinking.
Diagnostics and monitoring were used too infrequently
Only 38% of farms had fecal samples tested regularly.
Many farms continued to deworm the entire herd – a strategy that accelerates the development of resistance.
At the same time, the survey showed:
- Goat farmers would be willing to invest more time in diagnostics and selective treatments.
- Many felt well advised, but wished for more structured and practical information.
Targeted selective treatment is possible and makes sense
The individual examinations showed a typical overdispersion:
25% of the animals excreted around half of the worm eggs.
This makes it clear:
Targeted treatments of individual high shedders could significantly reduce the use of deworming medication without endangering animal health.
The combination of the following proved particularly helpful:
- individual egg counting
- FAMACHA© score (in case of Haemonchus dominance)
- BCS
- clinical signs such as throat edema
Feeding strategies can strengthen resilience
The feeding trial showed
that protein-rich supplemental feeding around the time of birth helped the animals cope with the parasite infestation. Goats with better nutrition exhibited more stable blood values and tended to experience fewer consequences from Haemonchus infestation.
Recommendations for goat farms
1. Moving away from whole-herd treatments – towards selective approaches.
Targeted treatment of individual animals reduces the use of medication and protects existing active ingredients.
2. Schedule regular diagnostics.
At least 1-2 fecal sample examinations per season are recommended.
Threshold values should be set on a farm-specific basis.
3. Use FAMACHA© and BCS routinely.
Especially in cases of Haemonchus dominance, FAMACHA© is a valuable tool for identifying endangered animals.
4. Avoid “dose-and-move”
This previous standard strategy promotes the development of resistance and should no longer be used.
5. Consistently quarantine newly purchased animals
for at least 30 days, plus deworming and fecal examination to prevent the introduction of resistance.
6. Optimize feeding around birth.
A needs-based and protein-adjusted ration supports the immune system and resistance.
Project data
Project title:
Pasture parasites in goats in Austria: Resistance monitoring and development of sustainable control strategies for practical application
Acronym:
ParaGÖAT
Project management:
Dr. Barbara Hinney, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Duration:
01.02.2023 – 30.10.2025
External project partners:
HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein (Leopold Podstatzky)
Contact:
