| The ParaGÖAT project aimed to assess the current state of endoparasite control and the resistance status of gastrointestinal strongyles to anthelmintic drugs on Austrian goat farms, and to develop and disseminate practical recommendations for sustainable control.
To this end, a questionnaire survey among veterinarians and goat farmers, a prevalence study on 58 farms, and fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) on 21 farms across Austria were conducted. In addition, health and performance parameters were recorded to evaluate their suitability for targeted selective treatment (TST) strategies.
The results show that strategic whole-herd treatments, which promote resistance, are still common, while sustainable control approaches have not yet been widely adopted. Although veterinarians and goat farmers shared similar views in some areas, farmers implemented recommended measures — such as selective treatments — more frequently than veterinarians reported advising them. Both groups show clear potential for further development toward sustainable parasite control.
Gastrointestinal strongyles, particularly Haemonchus contortus, were the dominant parasites. Mean egg counts were high on many farms, indicating strong infection pressure. Reduced efficacy or resistance to Eprinomectin — the only anthelmintic licensed for goats in Austria — was detected on all investigated farms; one farm also showed Moxidectin resistance. These findings highlight a critical resistance situation, underlining the need for immediate measures to preserve the remaining effective drug classes.
The survey further revealed that diagnostic and monitoring tools, such as regular fecal egg count testing, are rarely applied systematically. Limited infrastructure, time constraints, and insufficient advisory support were identified as major barriers.
Based on these findings, adaptable, farm-specific TST strategies were developed combining fecal egg counts with clinical indicators (e.g. BCS, FAMACHA©). Further research is required to integrate alternative approaches such as breeding for resistance, biological control, and targeted nutrition.
The project underscores the urgent need for action in Austrian goat farming: sustainable parasite control requires regular diagnostics, targeted treatments, and structured knowledge transfer. The results form the basis for training and advisory programs currently being developed at Vetmeduni Vienna. |