Managing parasites on livestock farms is a daily challenge, whether for cattle, sheep or goats. Farm animals are constantly exposed to external parasites (ticks, lice, flies, etc.) and internal parasites (strongyles, flukes, protozoans, etc.). These parasites can cause weight loss, reproductive problems, anemia, reduced productivity and even serious illnesses that can lead to death. Some of these parasites also represent a major health risk for other animal species, and sometimes for humans.

Antiparasitics: essential tools, but to be used with care

The use of antiparasitics is essential to protect livestock, but their use must be rigorously controlled. The health of farm animals is closely related to that of farmers, consumers and the environment. It is therefore crucial to adopt a more thoughtful and targeted approach to their use. What's more, the use of anti-parasitics is not without consequences: in recent years, the emergence of parasite resistances has increased considerably. As with antibiotics, excessive or inappropriate use of antiparasitics promotes resistance, making it more difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate parasites with current solutions. 

What's more, these products are not without risk for farmers, who may be exposed to harmful substances in the absence of appropriate protection. Finally, chemical residues from pesticides represent an environmental threat: they can contaminate soil and waterways, and harm local biodiversity. Faced with these challenges, responsible, reasoned management of antiparasitics is essential to reconcile animal health, human safety and preservation of the ecosystems.

The veterinarian, the guarantor of reasoned use adapted to each farm

Parasite control programs must be personalized. Each livestock operation has its own specific needs, depending on a number of factors: the type of livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, etc.), environmental conditions (climate, presence of wetlands, etc.), management methods (intensive or extensive grazing, etc.) and local parasite cycles. For example, a herd of dairy cows grazing in summer in a humid region will not have the same needs as a herd of goats in a dry area. Adapting control protocols to these specificities maximizes effectiveness while limiting unnecessary treatments.

Parasite control adapted to the animal species and farming conditions is essential. In this way, the effectiveness of the protection is optimized and the various risks associated with the use of antiparasitics are reduced. The veterinarian is the breeder's essential partner in this reasoned approach. He or she is in the best position to decide, on a case-by-case basis, on the most appropriate solution for the farm, and to advise the farmer on the protocol to be followed and the schedule to be respected. 

Let's do it smart: the right product at the right dose at the right time

At Virbac, we work alongside veterinarians to promote the rational use of antiparasitics on farms. All over the world, we provide them with a wide range of solutions, enabling them to develop personalized control programs limited to the real parasite risks to which the farm is exposed. With Let's do it smart, there's only one watchword: the right product, against the right parasites, at the right time of year and season, using the right dose and, if necessary, taking into account diagnostics. We offer veterinarians a range of tools to help them build tailor-made protocols: treatment schedules, webinars, decision trees…

Our Let's do it smart program, initially launched for companion animals in 2023, is now being extended to farm animals. This global approach is gradually being rolled out across all our subsidiaries, to support veterinarians, breeders and pet owners in their efforts to manage pest control products more rationally.