Due to the widespread resistance of parasitic worms to anthelmintics (wormers), the ORA resource project is pooling knowledge on treatment management available worldwide, adapting it to Swiss conditions and implementing it in several measures. Five of these measures aim to identify and treat more heavily infested sheep and goats as simply, quickly and individually as possible. The use of selective treatment reduces or stops the selection pressure towards resistance, and thus significantly extends the duration of use of the active substances used.
The adaptation of pasture management is integrated as a further measure. Adapted pasture management can significantly reduce the intensity of infections and thus contributes to reducing the amount of anthelmintics used. In addition, investments are being made in the training and further education of multipliers (cantonal advisors and veterinarians) so that the contents of the measures are passed on and used in a sustainable manner.
The project is being implemented in the participating cantons of St Gallen, Valais, Grisons, Lucerne, Uri, both Appenzells, Solothurn, Aargau, Fribourg, Vaud and Jura. The decision-making body is made up of the Swiss Sheep Breeders' Association, the Swiss Goat Breeders' Association, the Swiss Dairy Sheep Breeders' Association, the Swiss Professional Shepherds, the Swiss Association for Ruminant Health and the Health and Advisory Service for Small Ruminants, which is also responsible for project management.
Scientific monitoring and operational management
