Anthelmintic resistance is emerging in cattle parasites as in sheep, and refugia-based treatment strategies are important for preserving drug efficacy while maintaining welfare.
Gastrointestinal parasites and liver fluke cause weight loss, anaemia, reduced immunity and death in cattle. As anthelmintic resistance increases, these welfare impacts will worsen without evidence-based treatment strategies. Refugia-based approaches - treating only the animals that need it, based on monitoring - maintain drug efficacy longer while ensuring sick animals are treated promptly.