Helminths (including anthelmintic resistance)
Helminths are parasitic worms causing disease in animals. Anthelmintic resistance occurs when these worms become resistant to treatment.
STAR IDAZ Approach
Infections with helminthic parasites are a major threat to animal health, welfare, and production and include several zoonoses. If uncontrolled, they have worldwide a serious negative impact on the income of farmers, the viability of livestock industries, and the sustainable development of rural areas. The control of these infections is complicated due to climate change and the expansion of anthelmintic resistance (AR).
STAR IDAZ works together with the Livestock Helminth Research Alliance (LiHRA) to coordinate the activities of the Helminth Working Group.
Information
- DISCONTOOLS - Nematodes
- DISCONTOOLS - Liver Fluke
- COMBAR Best Practice
-
Helminth Infection Control in Farmed Ruminants
PDF from COMBAR (combatting anthelmintic resistance in ruminants)
Working group
LiHRA
STAR IDAZ Helminth WG activities are coordinated by the Livestock Helminth Research Alliance (LiHRA). LiHRA is an international network of researchers, founded in 2014, that brings together, expands and optimizes skills and expertise in different disciplines within livestock helminth research. LiHRA grew out of EU-funded research projects addressing challenges in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes and liver fluke in ruminants and related projects investigating alternative control approaches for livestock parasites.
LiHRA members meet annually to review current challenges, recent results, research gaps and future opportunities for collaborative research.
Key People
Johannes Charlier ,
Kreavet Belgium
John Gillleard ,
University of Calgary Canada
Georg von samson Himmelstjerna,
Freie Universität Berlin Germany
Diana Williams,
University of Liverpool United Kingdom
Laura Rinaldi ,
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Italy
Edwin Claerebout,
Ghent University Belgium
Peter Geldhof,
Ghent University Belgium
Carlos Lanusse,
CIVETAN Argentina
Candela Canton,
CIVETAN Argentina
Luis Alvarez ,
CONICET Argentina
Ray Kaplan ,
St. George’s University Grenada
Jozef Vercruysse,
Ghent University Belgium
Grace Mulcahy,
University College Dublin Ireland
Philip Skuce,
Moredun Research Institute United Kingdom
Eric R. Morgan,
Queen’s University of Belfast United Kingdom
Felipe Torres Acosta ,
Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán Mexico
Theo De Waal,
University College Dublin Ireland
Stig Milan Thamsborg ,
University of Copenhagen Denmark
Hervé Hoste,
INRAE France
Smaro Sotiraki ,
HAO Demeter Greece
Andy Greer,
University of Lincoln New Zealand
Jan Van Wijk,
University of Pretoria South Africa
Alasdair Nisbet ,
Moredun Research Institute United Kingdom
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Reports
Reports and outcomes from meetings and workshops
Research roadmaps and gap analyses
Gap analysis summary
Six research roadmaps have been developed covering diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines and control strategies for gastrointestinal nematodes and liver fluke. The original roadmaps were adopted by STAR IDAZ in 2019 and published in 2020. Following preparatory discussions in 2024 and the launch of the roadmap revision process during the 2025 LiHRA meeting, expert groups are currently updating the 4 nematode roadmaps, trematode roadmaps to follow later. Publication of revised roadmaps and a summary report is planned for 2027.
- Roadmap for nematode control strategiespublished 30th October, 2025
- Roadmap for nematode vaccine developmentpublished 30th October, 2025
- Roadmap for development of therapeutics for helminthspublished 9th December, 2024
- Roadmap for development of diagnostic tests for helminthspublished 5th December, 2024
- Roadmap for the development of control strategies for liver flukepublished 3rd December, 2024
- Roadmap for the development of candidate vaccines for liver flukepublished 3rd December, 2024
Projects
Displaying 4 of 13 projects
VIEW ALL PROJECTSImproving the performance of forage legumes through the use of optimal symbiotic partners using the example of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia)
Planned Completion date 31/12/2023
Denmark
Development of a web application for the risk assessment of the worm load of free-range laying hens (Wurmfrei)
Planned Completion date 31/12/2026
Denmark
Sustainable, biodiversity-promoting pasture farming of cattle in Schleswig-Holstein (NaBiWei)
Planned Completion date 31/12/2026
Denmark
Upscaling efficient alternatives for contentious inputs in organic farming (SCALE-it)
Planned Completion date 30/04/2029
Denmark
Recent publications
Reports and outcomes from meetings and workshops
Appraisal of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding helminth infections and anthelmintic resistance among cattle farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
Anthelmintic stewardship: an essential step towards sustainable dairy farming
Anthelmintic resistance in canine parasitology: a critical review of an emerging global challenge
One health perspectives on anthelmintic resistance: mechanisms, surveillance gaps and control strategies.