A holistic approach to parasite control

Vets to encourage a targeting approach where possible, for best practice

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The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling on vets, livestock owners, horse owners and Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) to take a holistic and evidence-based approach to parasite control in grazing animals to tackle increasing drug resistance and concerns around environmental damage.

In its new policy position on the responsible use of parasiticides in grazing animals, BVA is recommending that the use of both anthelmintics and ectoparasiticides in cattle, sheep, horses, goats and camelids needs to be more targeted and based on diagnostics, rather than relying on blanket treatments at certain times of year. It is calling on all organisations representing vets, livestock owners, and SQPs to encourage and support members to take steps to implement its best-practice guidance, and for veterinary species-specific organisations to work with members to include structured, bespoke detail in health plans as a standard part of holistic parasite control plan.

WHAT IS DRUG RESISITENCE