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Case Study

# Efficacy of Zero Milk Withdrawal Anthelmintic in Smallholder Dairy Operations: A Mbarara District Case Study

A case study documenting the impact of zero milk withdrawal deworming protocols on production metrics in 120 smallholder dairy farms in Mbarara district, demonstrating that farmers can maintain continuous milk supply while effectively controlling gastrointestinal parasites.

Dr. Agnes Ayot, Dr. Sarah Namukasa 1 September 2025
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## Background

Dairy farmers in western Uganda face a persistent conflict between deworming schedules and milk income. Traditional anthelmintics require 3-7 day milk withdrawal periods, resulting in significant economic losses for smallholder operations where daily milk sales represent the primary household income.

## Study Design

We enrolled 120 smallholder dairy farms in Mbarara district in a 6-month comparative trial. Farms were divided into two groups: 60 farms using a zero-withdrawal levamisole formulation (Sanga Worm & Fluke Drench®) and 60 farms continuing with conventional albendazole-based protocols requiring 72-hour withdrawal.

## Results

### Parasite Control

- Faecal egg count reduction at 14 days: 94.2% (zero-withdrawal) vs 96.1% (conventional) — no significant difference
- Sustained efficacy at 8 weeks: 87.3% vs 89.0%

### Economic Impact

- Zero-withdrawal group saved an average of UGX 45,000 per deworming cycle in preserved milk income
- Annual estimated savings: UGX 180,000 per farm (4 deworming cycles)
- Compliance with recommended deworming schedules increased from 62% to 91% in the zero-withdrawal group

## Conclusion

Zero milk withdrawal anthelmintics offer comparable parasite control while eliminating the economic barrier that causes many smallholder farmers to skip or delay deworming. This approach represents a practical solution for maintaining both animal health and farmer livelihoods in East African dairy systems.

Authors

DA
Dr. Agnes Ayot

DVM, MSc Tropical Animal Health

Sanga Vet. Chem. Ltd

Veterinary scientist focusing on anthelmintic efficacy trials and zero-withdrawal formulations for dairy operations in Uganda.

DS
Dr. Sarah Namukasa

PhD, Veterinary Pharmacology

Sanga Vet. Chem. Ltd

Head of Research and Development at Sanga Vet. Chem. Ltd, specialising in acaricide formulation and tick resistance management across East Africa.

dairy anthelmintic milk withdrawal case study Mbarara

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