Pharmacotherapy of gastrointestinal strongylosis of small ruminants: An update

Abstract

Gastrointestinal strongylosis, which causes deadly seasonal diarrhea in small ruminants, is a major threat to the livestock population in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, livestock is a central component of food security. In addition to this threat, there is a poor veterinary coverage due to the increasing lack of effective anthelmintic drugs against strongyles because of the emergence and proliferation of chemo resistant strains. In this context, and given that the use of a vaccine is not widespread, the establishment of the therapeutic arsenal available to veterinarians to control strongyles will contribute to the food and economic security of rural populations. This review outlines the main pharmacochemical classes of anthelmintics used in the management of strongylosis of small ruminants.