Summary
Findings from several literature searches, an online survey of 88 Australian goat producers and face to face or telephone discussions with 20 goat producers and several veterinarians and other scientists were used to review best practice parasite control recommendations for goats and update the Parasite Control module within MLA’s Going Into Goats information material. Suggestions regarding current information gaps and possible future industry support and research, with regard to goat parasite control, were also collected.
The vast majority of respondents considered ‘worms’ a significant problem for the Australian goat industry, and expressed concern about the current low number of anthelmintics registered for use in goats in Australia. Usage of a variety of, both registered and off-label, treatments and doses were discovered, as well as a mixture of non-chemical strategies to assist effective and sustainable worm control. Goat lice were also mentioned regularly. Considerable potential for further communication, education and technical support of the Australian goat industry, including associated veterinary practitioners, towards best practice parasite control was highlighted.
