INTEGRATED CONTROL OF TROPICAL ANIMAL PARASITOSES

In the past, the control of parasites of domestic animals has relied m ainly on the use of drugs and pesticides. Although these compounds are still of great importance in the prevention and treatment of parasiti c diseases, the accent has shifted in recent years to a more flexible approach, integrating various other control measures, The main reasons for this change are. development of resistance of the parasites again st the compounds used; reduced development of new compounds to overcom e resistance (increasingly stringent regulations on toxicity and resid ues, resulting in very high research and development costs, insufficie nt return for industry because of short life-span of new products due to resistance, and limited and poor markets for compounds against para sites in developing countries), increasing cost of new products for th e user, problems associated with toxicity, environmental pollution and residues in animal products. Integrated parasite management makes use , where possible, of biological and mechanical control methods, of acq uired and innate host resistance, and of genetical, ecological, sanita ry and regulatory procedures, although chemical control can seldom be entirely abolished. Cost-effectiveness and sustainability in all respe cts are of primary importance.