Is preventive treatments against gastro-intestinal nematodes of small ruminants in Sahelo-Sudanian Africa still advisable?

Abstract

The different aspects of preventive treatments of gastro-intestinal nematodes of small ruminants in the Sahelo-Sudanian zones of Africa are discussed. A better understanding of the epidemiology, the natural development of immunity, the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance and of the socio-economic constraints is required before applying specific control measures for gastro-intestinal nematodes. Meanwhile, in small ruminants, curative rather than preventive treatments should be preconized.