Emergence of benzimidazole resistance in nematodes of small ruminants in an organized farm and some smallholder flocks in Phaltan Taluka, Maharashtra

The emergence of resistance to albendazole in the gastro-intestinal nematodes Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in sheep and goats belonging to the Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute and some smallholders’ goat flocks in Bibi village of Phaltan Taluka in Maharashtra was detected by faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test. The status was further confirmed by detection of the mutation in the β-tubulin gene (isotype I), in the DNA of resistant larvae. The drenching strategy needs to be changed in the light of these findings to prevent further development of resistance.