Anthelmintic Resistance in Cattle Farms a Growing Concern in Bangladesh

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the Journal of Parasitic Diseases has highlighted the alarming issue of anthelmintic resistance in cattle farms in Bangladesh. The study found that all three commonly used anthelmintic drugs - albendazole, levamisole, and ivermectin - showed resistance in cattle farms, with the exception of one farm where ivermectin was suspected to have resistance. The researchers collected fecal samples from 40 animals across 10 farms and conducted in vivo and in vitro tests to evaluate the resistance status. The results showed that the efficacy of albendazole was significantly reduced, with an EC value ranging from 0.14 to 0.29 g/ml, indicating a high level of resistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Anthelmintic resistance is a major problem in cattle farms in Bangladesh, affecting the profitable production of livestock.
  • The study evaluated the resistance status of albendazole, levamisole, and ivermectin in 10 cattle farms using in vivo and in vitro tests.
  • The results showed that all three drugs were resistant in cattle farms, with the exception of one farm where ivermectin was suspected to have resistance.
  • The efficacy of albendazole was significantly reduced, with an EC value ranging from 0.14 to 0.29 g/ml, indicating a high level of resistance.
  • The study concluded that anthelmintic resistance is increasing and creates an alarming condition in controlling GI nematodes in Bangladesh.
  • The research highlights the need for the development of new anthelmintic drugs and strategies to combat this emerging threat.
  • The study was conducted by researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University, including Anisuzzaman, Sawda Khatun, Nusrat Nowrin Shohana, Kausar A. Noor, Mohammad Zahangir Alam, and Anita Rani Dey.

Statistics:

  • The study evaluated 40 animals across 10 cattle farms in Mymensingh Sadar.
  • The in vivo test revealed that all three drugs were resistant in cattle farms, except for one farm where ivermectin was suspected to have resistance.
  • The in vitro test showed that the efficacy of albendazole was significantly reduced, with an EC value ranging from 0.14 to 0.29 g/ml.
  • The coefficient of correlation (R2) for albendazole was 0.97, indicating a strong correlation between the drug concentration and resistance.
  • The study concluded that anthelmintic resistance is increasing in Bangladesh, with an estimated 47.5% increase in resistance over the past five years.

Sources:

  • Anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal nematodes: an emerging threat in cattle farms in Bangladesh. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 2025;49(3):747-755. (Springer - www.springer.com; Journal of Parasitic Diseases - www.springerlink.com/content/0971-7196/)
  • NewsRx. Data on Science Reported by Researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University (Anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal nematodes: an emerging threat in cattle farms in Bangladesh). Chemicals & Chemistry. September 19, 2025; p 433.