Sheep and goats are farmed throughout the world for meat, fibre, milk and leather. These small ruminants are very susceptible to external parasites, which has significant implications for their health and welfare as well as the quality and value of the end products for which they are farmed. This book gives practical guidance on preventing and controlling ectoparasites that contribute to disease and infection in sheep and goats, discussing types of parasites, the diseases they cause and what methods of control are available, as well as wider implications such as animal welfare and environmental impacts.

This book is comprised of 11 chapters covering the prevention and control of ectoparasites that contribute to disease and infection in sheep and goats, types of parasites, diseases caused by these parasites and control methods that are currently available. Moreover, the implications of these ectoparasitoses on animal welfare and environmental impacts are also discussed. Focus is given on mites (Acari), ticks (Ixodida), lice (Phthiraptera), flies (Diptera), fleas (Siphonaptera), diagnosis, prevention, chemical control, alternative control methods and economic damage.

Ivermectin and abamectin, members of the avermectin family of compounds, were introduced to the market in the 1980's as a veterinary antiparasitic drug and agricultural pesticide, respectively. Their acceptance and commercial success have been remarkable; both are highly effective and in worldwide use. The efficacy of ivermectin in river blindness has expanded the interest in its use in human medicine. In response to the intense scientific and industrial interest in ivermectin and abamectin and the likelihood that they will be forerunners of an expanding family of drugs, this comprehensive monograph satisfies the need for a review and synthesis of current knowledge about the use of these substances in crop protection as well as in cattle, sheep, swine, horses, dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and in man. This overview presents chemical, biochemical, and microbiological data, as well as pharmacological, safety, and environmental aspects and covers practical use of the compounds as antiparasitic and pesticide agents, as well as the available safety data that have emerged from the clinical experience with human applications.

Goat science covers quite a wide range and varieties of topics, from genetics and breeding, via nutrition, production systems, reproduction, milk and meat production, animal health and parasitism, etc., up to the effects of goat products on human health. In this book, several parts of them are presented within 18 different chapters. Molecular genetics and genetic improvement of goats are the new approaches of goat development. Several factors affect the passage rate of digesta in goats, but for diet properties, goats are similar to other ruminants. Iodine deficiency in goats could be dangerous. Assisted reproduction techniques have similar importance in goats like in other ruminants. Milk and meat production traits of goats are almost equally important and have significant positive impacts on human health. Many factors affect the health of goats, heat stress being of increasing importance. Production systems could modify all of the abovementioned characteristics of goats.