The epidemiology and control of nematode parasites and Oestrus ovis in the winter rainfall area
Reinecke, R.K.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 61(4): 148-9; Author Reply 149-50
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 1019-9128 PMID: 9022840 Document Number: 352705
Reinecke criticizes Van Wyk's article on chemical methods of control of nematode parasites (Journal of the South African Veterinary Association (1990) 61 (3) 136-140) in which he states that 'Reinecke has suggested 4 different drenching programmes for the winter rainfall region [of South Africa]. One possible reason for his drawing up so many different programmes, is the dearth of information regarding the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in this region'. Reinecke feels that not only does this contradict information published in an earlier paper by Van Wyk, but he also makes no reference to Reinecke's findings in several papers published since 1985, in which total and differential gastrointestinal worm counts, as well as counting and identifying O. ovis, were performed on over 300 sheep. The author reviews this research with particular attention given to seasonal variation in prevalence and treatment regimes. Drug resistance is also considered and it is concluded that there are only 2 possible solutions: either successful vaccines, or genetic selection of sheep which are resistant to worms. In response, Van Wyk objects that Reinecke does not state in what way he finds his papers contradictory. He also notes that his 1990 paper was published before several of Reinecke's papers (having a bearing on drenching programmes for this region) had been published.