Refugia-based strategies for parasite control in livestock

Abstract

Key points: Refugia-based strategies are intended to help slow the development of anthelmintic resistance by leaving a population unexposed to a treatment. Refugia can be supplied in several forms and through a variety of means that vary immensely in their complexity, and not all will fit with every livestock farming system. Three main forms of refugia-based strategies are whole flock-targeted treatment, part flock-targeted selective treatments, and selectively leaving a portion of the flock untreated. Incorporating refugia-based strategies into production systems typically requires a change in farm management and greater inputs, which may hinder farmer uptake.