Walshe Nicola, Burrell Alison, Kenny Ursula, Mulcahy Grace, Duggan Vivienne, Regan Aine
School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
Animal Health Ireland, 2-5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim., Ireland.
Vet Parasitol. 2023 May;317:109904. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109904. Epub 2023 Mar 5.
In view of the rising threat of anthelmintic resistance in parasite populations and the planned change of classification of anthelmintics in Ireland for food animals to prescription-only medicines, there is a need for increased focus on parasite control strategies for horses. Effective parasite control programs (PCPs) are complex, necessitating the application of risk-assessment based on host immune status, infection pressure, type of parasite and seasonality to determine the requirement for anthelmintic administration and an understanding of parasite biology to employ effective, non- therapeutic, parasite control measures. The aim of this study was to explore horse breeders' attitudes and behaviours towards general parasite control practices and anthelmintic use on thoroughbred studs in Ireland using qualitative research methods, in order to help identify barriers to the implementation of sustainable equine PCPs supported by veterinary involvement. One-to-one, qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 breeders, using an interview topic guide that allowed for an open questioning style. The topic guide facilitated discussion around the following areas: (i) parasite control measures (general approach, (ii) veterinary involvement, (iii) use of anthelmintics, (iv) use of diagnostics, pasture management), (v) recording of anthelmintic use and (vi) anthelmintic resistance. Convenience, purposive (subjective selection) sampling was used to select a small group of participants that reflected the characteristics of current thoroughbred breeders in Ireland taking into account farm type, farm size, geographical location. The interviews were transcribed, and a method of inductive thematic analysis (a data driven identification and analysis of themes) was performed. Assessment of current behaviours by these participants found that PCPs were primarily based on the prophylactic use of anthelmintics without a strategic rationale. A key driver of behaviour regarding parasite prevention practices was localised routine, dictated by tradition, that gave breeders a sense of confidence and protection regarding parasite control. The perceptions of the benefits of parasitology diagnostics were varied and their application to control was poorly understood. Anthelmintic resistance was recognised as an industry threat but not an issue for individual farms. By using a qualitative approach, this study offers insights into the possible barriers to the adoption of sustainable PCPs on Irish thoroughbred farms and highlights the need for end-user involvement in the preparation of future guidelines.
鉴于寄生虫种群中抗驱虫药的威胁不断增加，以及爱尔兰计划将用于食用动物的驱虫药分类变更为仅凭处方使用的药物，因此有必要更加关注马匹的寄生虫控制策略。有效的寄生虫控制计划（PCP）很复杂，需要基于宿主免疫状态、感染压力、寄生虫类型和季节性进行风险评估，以确定驱虫药给药的需求，还需要了解寄生虫生物学，以便采用有效的非治疗性寄生虫控制措施。本研究的目的是使用定性研究方法，探索爱尔兰纯种马繁育场中马匹饲养者对一般寄生虫控制措施和驱虫药使用的态度及行为，以帮助识别在兽医参与支持下实施可持续马匹PCP的障碍。对16名饲养者进行了一对一的定性半结构化访谈，使用了允许开放式提问风格的访谈主题指南。该主题指南促进了围绕以下领域的讨论：（i）寄生虫控制措施（一般方法），（ii）兽医参与，（iii）驱虫药的使用，（iv）诊断方法的使用、牧场管理，（v）驱虫药使用记录，以及（vi）驱虫药耐药性。采用便利抽样、目的抽样（主观选择）的方法，选择了一小群反映爱尔兰当前纯种马饲养者特征的参与者，同时考虑了农场类型、农场规模和地理位置。对访谈进行了转录，并采用了归纳主题分析方法（一种由数据驱动的主题识别和分析方法）。这些参与者对当前行为的评估发现，PCP主要基于预防性使用驱虫药，缺乏战略依据。寄生虫预防措施行为的一个关键驱动因素是由传统决定的局部常规做法，这给饲养者在寄生虫控制方面带来了信心和保护感。对寄生虫学诊断益处的看法各不相同，对其在控制中的应用了解甚少。驱虫药耐药性被认为是该行业的一个威胁，但不是单个农场的问题。通过采用定性方法，本研究深入了解了爱尔兰纯种马农场采用可持续PCP可能存在的障碍，并强调了终端用户参与制定未来指南的必要性。
