Conference Agenda

Gastrointestinal parasitism and inappropriate anthelmintic use are major constraints to goat production and key drivers of anthelmintic resistance (AR), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluated parasite control practices recommended by veterinarians to goat farmers in Sri Lanka to identify critical gaps contributing to AR. An online questionnaire was distributed to 877 veterinarians following a pilot survey, and 122 completed responses (14%) were analysed. Data were collected on respondent demographics, knowledge of gastrointestinal helminths, diagnostic and control practices, anthelmintic use and AR awareness. Although respondents demonstrated sound knowledge (median confidence score: 70; mean: 65), diagnostic approaches relied on clinical signs (35%) and visual observation of worms in faeces (22%), with limited use of faecal egg counts (FEC). Limited diagnostic access (39%) and low farmer engagement (36%) were key barriers to recommending FEC. Albendazole, levamisole, and ivermectin were widely recommended; however, 41% of veterinarians estimated doses visually, increasing under-dosing risk. While 92% recognised AR as a major concern, 71% had never performed faecal egg count reduction tests. Multiple correspondence analysis identified distinct clusters of practices, separating experience-based from evidence-based approaches. These findings highlight critical gaps and the need for improved diagnostics, targeted training, farmer engagement, and national AR surveillance.