This project is the first of three or four linked projects on goat research in the Tropics. It stems from an initiative of the Ministry of Primary Industry, Fiji, to ACIAR and reflects a concern with the high losses of goats due to parasites in FAO goat development projects. Parasite infestation was also identified as a major constraint to goat production by the staff of the ADAB Yalavou Project.

Meat consumption in Pacific Island countries far exceeds local production, and these countries are striving to expand their sheep and goat flocks. A meeting of Directors of Agriculture for Pacific Island Nations resolved that small ruminant production would take the highest priority in the development of livestock industries in the Pacific for the foreseeable future.

Gastrointestinal parasites, especially Haemonchus contortus are a serious impediment to expansion of small ruminant flocks. It has been estimated that 25% of the Fiji goat herd dies annually from this parasite. Outbreaks of haemonchosis kill up to 50% of goats in some goat farming projects. In Vanuatu, 50% of lambs born are lost to gastrointestinal parasitism before they are weaned. Control of these parasites relies on anthelmintic treatment every three weeks. However, the high cost of anthelmintics, their uncertain availability and the appearance of drug resistance is further limiting small ruminant production.

Knowledge of parasite epidemiology, including the role played by host genetic resistance, can be used to devise integrated management systems that will reduce the reliance on anthelmintics alone as a control strategy. This strategy could include selective breeding for, or importation of, parasite resistant genotypes.

Fiji has been chosen for the major portion of the project because of the high priority of the problem and the support of the project by the Fijian Government.

Investigators will determine larval development and survival on pasture, and measure population dynamics of parasites in continuously grazing goats and sheep. They will evaluate the effect of suppression of blood sucking parasites on other parasites, and study the species of Haemonchus present. They will also survey the anthelmintic resistance status in Fiji and other South Pacific countries, and estimate genetic variation in resistance to infection. Cases of resistance to reinfection will be recorded as well.
Meteorological data will be correlated to the larval development of a range of parasites,to establish a relationship between weather conditions and levels of parasitic activity.

Effective control of parasites is accomplished by using the right management regime. Computer simulation models of different types of management strategies will facilitate the evaluation of field trials, ensuring that the most useful procedures of management will be adopted.

This thorough investigation should reveal methods of management which control parasites using minimal amounts of anthelmintics. Although based in Fiji , research scientists will support and advise on relevant research in nearby countries, and their findings will be significant for the South Pacific region. Results of research will be conveyed to livestock officers in the nations involved. Furthermore, ACIAR will receive advice on other potential priority research areas.