Roadmap for nematode control strategies

Identify interactions between and within parasite species to build a holistic approach towards parasite control in livestock.

Which are the factors governing co-infection between (a) different species of nematode, and (b) nematodes and micro-organisms (mainly bacteria or protozoa), within the same organ or through systemic interactions?
What are the consequences of helmint-nematode and nematode-microbe interactions for the outcomes of infection?
Can parasite infection and control methods including anthelmintic therapy have broader consequences for animal health through susceptibility to other diseases or impacts on the microbiome?
Could manipulation of the microbiome (e.g. though pre- or pro-biotics) be used to help control nematodes?

Develop in vitro models measuring co-existence or co-habitation between parasites/microbiota.
In vivo experimental infections with different infections in factorial and multi-factorial designs for different host (livestock) species.
In vitro models testing impacts of excretion/secretion substances from different nematodes and study their interaction with immunity, bacterial pathogens or gut microbiota.
Statistical analysis of large epidemiological datasets to establish population-level interactions, including intervention studies.
Extend advanced methods in community ecology to nematodes.

Attempt to evaluate the effect of hosting nematodes on the immune response against other parasites and microbes.
Molecular tools to identify nematode species, to enhance resolution of interaction studies in field populations.

There are several descriptive studies but we lack on-farm intervention studies and data across more of the important nematode species.