Status of Fenbendazole, Closantel and Ivermectin Resistance in Goats

Two unorganized goat farms from the dry sub-humid zone of Sirsa, Haryana were surveyed to assess the efficacy of fenbendazole, closantel, and ivermectin against gastrointestinal nematodes using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). A total of 120 goats, 60 each from Sahuwala (SV) and Rupana (RV) villages, with a minimum of 150 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, were selected. Animals were divided into four groups of 15 goats each per farm. Groups S1 and R1 received fenbendazole (@ 10 mg/kg b.wt. orally), groups S2 and R2 received closantel (@ 20 mg/kg b.wt. orally), groups S3 and R3 received ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg b.wt., subcutaneous), while groups S4 and R4 served as untreated controls. Faecal samples were collected on day 0 and day 14 post-treatment, and egg counts were determined using the Modified McMaster technique. Percent reduction in faecal egg counts in SV was 89.11, 67.12, and 55.23 for fenbendazole, closantel, and ivermectin, respectively, while in RV it was 51.22, 89.0, and 91.02, respectively. Post-treatment coproculture revealed predominance of Haemonchus contortus larvae in both farms, with minor genera disappearing after treatment. The findings confirmed the presence of multiple anthelmintic resistance, with fenbendazole showing variable efficacy ranging from moderate to severe resistance, closantel exhibiting moderate resistance, and ivermectin showing reduced effectiveness. These results highlighted the urgent need for regular monitoring, strategic drug rotation, and judicious use of anthelmintics to sustain effective parasite control in goat farms of Sirsa, Haryana.