Haemonchosis Control in Sheep with Duddingtonia flagrans Fungi: Evaluation of the First Commercial Product in Brazil

The resistance of small ruminants to synthetic anthelmintics and helminthosis poses considerable challenges to global livestock production. Integrating biological control with nematophagous fungi, particularly Duddingtonia flagrans, is crucial in addressing worm infestations. Although effective in experiments, the absence of a commercial product has been a limitation. The introduction of Bioverm®, the first commercial product using D. flagrans in Brazil, marks a significant advancement. This study on a Brazilian sheep farm evaluated a 167-day Bioverm® treatment, following moxidectin application, focusing on eggs per gram of feces (EPG), FAMACHA score, and sheep weight (WEIGHT). Statistical results showed marked improvements in all parameters after 80 days with Bioverm®. EPG values gradually declined, demonstrating successful biological control, while FAMACHA increased steadily, stabilizing after 130 days. Minor weight changes indicated effective nutritional management. These outcomes suggest Bioverm® significantly reduces dependence on chemical anthelmintics and addresses resistance issues. D. flagrans thus emerges as a promising tool for managing nematode infestations without negatively impacting animal weight. This research enhances the understanding of Bioverm®’s role, confirming its practicality as a viable alternative for helminth control in varied environments, thereby reinforcing its strategic importance in livestock management.