Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of Veterinarians Regarding Gastrointestinal Strongyloses and Anthelmintic Resistance in Sheep Flocks in North-East Algeria

AYOUN, Manel; SOUAMES, Samir; BAROUDI, Djamel; SALHI, Omar; ALLALOU, Maroua; KHELIFI TOUHAMI, Nadjet Amina; OUCHENE, Nassim; CHINA, Bernard

doi:10.22092/ari.2025.371140.3910

Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of Veterinarians Regarding Gastrointestinal Strongyloses and Anthelmintic Resistance in Sheep Flocks in North-East Algeria

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Health & Animal Production Research Laboratory. Rabie BOUCHAMA National Veterinary School, Rue Issad Abbes, Oued Smar-1600 Algiers, Algeria

² Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Sâad Dahlab Blida 1, BP 270, Blida 09000, Algeria; Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, BP 161, El Harrach, Algiers, Algeria

³ Faculty of Exact Sciences and Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Laboratory for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture in Arid Regions (PIARA), University of Mohamed Khider, Biskra, Algeria

⁴ University of Blida 1

⁵ veterinary sciences institute blida 1 university algeria

⁶ Sciensano, the Belgian Health Institute, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14. 1050 Brussels. Belgium

10.22092/ari.2025.371140.3910

Abstract

Purpose Gastrointestinal strongyles (GIS) represent one of the main parasitic constraints in small ruminants worldwide. In Algeria, limited data exist on veterinarians’ practices and their impact on anthelmintic resistance (AR).
Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 106 veterinarians from northeastern Algeria to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to GIS diagnosis and control. Data were analyzed descriptively and compared with findings from international studies.
Results Clinical diagnosis remains predominant, as only 34.9% of respondents use complementary tests, mainly coproscopy, and 82.1% never apply it for post-treatment monitoring. Mass treatment strategies dominate: 84.9% recommend systematic deworming of ewes and 68.9% prescribe more than two treatments per season for lambs. Macrocyclic lactones (40.6%) and benzimidazoles (27.4%) are the most prescribed families, with 75.5% favoring long-acting formulations. In practice, weight is estimated visually in 93.5% of cases, and uniform dosing is applied to the whole flock by 71.7% of veterinarians, leading to a high risk of underdosing. More than half (52.8%) do not keep treatment records, while only 0.94% systematically perform a FECRT. Although 76.4% have heard of anthelmintic resistance, and 84.0% consider it a major risk, 31.1% still report persistent cases despite repeated treatments. Notably, 41.5% of practitioners express dissatisfaction with their current strategies, reflecting both awareness and a lack of effective alternatives.
Conclusion GIS management in northeastern Algeria remains largely empirical, with limited diagnostic input and heavy reliance on broad-spectrum anthelmintics. The insufficient integration of evidence-based practices, combined with economic and operational constraints, accelerates AR development. Improved access to diagnostics, structured monitoring, and targeted veterinary training are urgently needed to promote sustainable parasite control.

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