The University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) sheep and goat parasite and anthelmintic resistance survey
Over the past few years, a team of investigators as well as summer research students from the University of Calgary have undertaken surveys of sheep farms in Western Canada to assess the level of gastrointestinal parasites present.
The researchers conducted more detailed investigation on anthelmintic resistance of a number of farms in Alberta by on-farm visits to perform fecal egg count reduction tests. The results of this work suggests that many Alberta sheep flocks have high parasite burdens and that ivermectin and fenbendazole/albendazole resistant parasites may be more common than previously thought in the province. More information on sheep parasite control and the research can be found on this website: https://vet.ucalgary.ca/research/sheep-parasite-control/home
In the upcoming summer, the researchers are looking to continue and survey more flocks in Western Canada. The project will look at parasite burden and at the effectiveness of treatment at the flock level. Molecular techniques for identification of parasites will be used. Detection of parasite resistance to dewormers and its evolution will be monitored over several years.
If your flock consist of 20 or more ewes and or Does and you are interested in this project, we would like you to contact us (information below). The results are confidential. If you would like to share the results with your veterinarian, please let us know.
Thank you for your assistance in this project. If you are interested to participate, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of us! please contact the research group at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Drs John Gilleard and Camila Queiroz