Comparative Evaluation of Anthelmintic Efficacy of Chemotherapeutics against Natural Infestation of Gastro-Intestinal Nematodes in Caprines

Three anthelmintic drugs (Closantel, Ivermectin and Oxyclosanide+Levamisole) were evaluated for their efficacy against natural infestation of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes in Ganjam goats. All three anthelmintics were found effective with more than 95% efficacy on 7^th day post treatment (DPT). The group of animals treated with Closantel showed significant decrease (p<0.01) in mean EPG at 7^th DPT which was further decreased to 0 at 14^th DPT and maintained at that level up to 21^st DPT and the group treated with combined formulation of Oxyclozanide and Levamisole showed significant decrease (p<0.01) in mean EPG at 7^th DPT which was maintained up to 14^th DPT and then significantly increased at 21^st DPT. The group of animals treated with Ivermectin also showed significant decrease (p<0.01) in mean EPG at 7^th DPT which was maintained up to 14^th DPT and then significantly increased at 21^st DPT. The study concluded that Ivermectin was most effective in reduction of mean EPG followed by Closantel. However, Closantel gave longer protection against reinfection beyond 14 day.