替代医学和综合医学

Sustainable Animal Production, Systemic Prevention Strategies in Parasitic Diseases of Ruminants

Abstract

Pisseri F, de Benedictis C, Roberti di Sarsina P and Azzarello B

Integrated parasitic veterinary control strategy and holistic vision is a sanitary program which aims at reducing the usage of drugs, protecting animal welfare, ecological balance and farmers’ income. Internal parasitic diseases of ruminants constitute one of the most important health issues in extensive livestock farming. Despite the environmental toxic effects, anti-parasitic chemical pharmaceuticals are frequently used. In order to limit the employment of these drugs, it is necessary to establish an integrated control strategy, including managerial and agronomic activities, as well as non-conventional medicine. A monitoring plan of action of the farm must be implemented, whereby parasitological, clinical, productive and environmental indicators are evaluated. Considerations emerging from such an analysis would inevitably require a scheme of interventions, with the intent of maintaining equilibrium between parasite and host. This objective may include all agronomical activities, managerial actions and the application of alternative medication. Homeopathic medicine is particularly indicated thanks to the absence of drug residues in food animal products, the drug-resistance phenomenon, the low costs and the easy administration of remedies.