Wise management of veterinary antiparasitic treatments using a One Health EcoHealth approach in Southeastern France

Abstract

The ecotoxicity of veterinary antiparasitic treatments and the emergence of resistance to several families of antiparasitic molecules have led to the need to consider the proper use of these products in order to reduce their ecological impact while controlling sanitary and economic issues within the herd. The present study explores these notions within the framework of the support of nineteen breeders from two French departments (Gard and Hérault) engaged in a process of wise management of the parasite risk through the respect of a schedule of conditions of environmental protection, relating in particular to the preservation of threatened species such as the ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus). These farmers practice various activities as well as different types of breeding (sheep or beef cattle, Camargue cattle, dairy goats, racehorses). Semi-structured interviews were used to describe their practices and to understand how they integrated the wise management of parasite risk into their strategy. Coprologies were conducted to determine the rate of infestation of the herds by gastrointestinal endoparasites, and to recommend targeted treatments using molecules that are not ecotoxic for the environment, and/or effective alternatives, whose strategy must be adapted according to the type of farm and the species. Eighty percent of the farmers were heading toward a wise strategy without necessarily being aware of it since they rarely treated their animals and were generally concerned about applying the right treatment methods. Nevertheless, they seemed to need close support for the diagnosis, treatment timing and molecules to be used, as well as for the management of animals’ movements between plots. The study showed the crucial role of veterinary practitioners in this type of approach. However, awareness raising and training must be organized to encourage their involvement.