Summary
Breeding sheep for enhanced immunity to gastrointestinal is one potential means of controlling parasites as the rate of anthelmintic failure increases. The CARLA® Saliva test measures a protective antibody response to nematode L3s and can be used to breed sheep that are more resistant to parasite infection.
CarLA specific IgA antibody levels in saliva were measured on a regular basis in 8 Information Nucleus Flocks located across Australia. The aim of the CARLA® testing was to determine for a range of different localities, when good CARLA® responses and thus adequate exposure to larval challenge occurred.
This study showed that good CARLA® responses can be measured in flocks at a variety of different locations. The CARLA® saliva test would be an option for selecting parasite resistant sheep under Australian conditions.
