Resistance can’t be diagnosed by fecal egg counts alone and results can easily be misinterpreted DULUTH, Ga. — May 12, 2008 — With recent hype about anthelmintic-resistant parasites, producers are getting offers for free anthelmintic evaluations and diagnoses from all directions. “Some animal health companies are offering fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) as the gold standard for diagnosing anthelmintic-resistant parasites,” says Dr. Frank Hurtig, Director of Merial Veterinary Services. “FECRTs alone are not accurate indicators of anthelmintic resistance, especially when not conducted by third-party experts.”¹ FECRTs can easily be misinterpreted if collected or analyzed improperly, Dr. Hurtig says. Merial recommends that producers have their veterinarian collect fecal samples for them and then work with independent state labs or vet schools for FECRT analysis and additional tests. Dr. Hurtig says producers should not rely on commercial labs or a manufacturer’s lab. The following are some guidelines that are followed to help achieve the most accurate results: more

COOPERSTOWN, N.D. (May 1, 2008) — It’s not too early to start thinking about how to add value to your calves. Preconditioning can help prepare calves’ immune systems for the stress of weaning. These preventive health measures also prepare calves for the commingling, transport, weather and other pressures they likely will face later in life. more