Helminths (including anthelmintic resistance)

Helminths (including anthelmintic resistance)

Helminth infections are the cause of common, and economically important, diseases in cattle, small ruminant, pig and poultry production systems around the world. All livestock with outdoor access are exposed to these parasites, while some helminths also thrive in animals reared indoors. In specific cases, mortality can be high, but most infections are chronic and impact on animal health, welfare and productivity. Helminthoses are associated with production losses and intrinsically linked with farm production efficiency, food security and greenhouse gas emissions through unproductive livestock farming.
The control of helminths in livestock is primarily based on the preventive or curative use of chemotherapeutics. However, by way of their inherent genetic diversity, helminths have been able to circumvent existing control measures and as a consequence, we are currently faced with a growing spread of anthelmintic resistance (AR).

The Livestock Helminth Research Alliance (LiHRA) was founded to address the current challenges of helminth control of livestock and stimulate collaborative research on the topic. The alliance comprises international partners with a recognised expertise in different disciplines applied to helminth research. COMBAR  (Combatting Anthelmintic Resistance in Ruminants) is a COST Action (European Framework) promote scientific cooperation on anthelmintic resistance. LiHRA and COMBAR collaborate with STAR-IDAZ IRC to construct and review STAR-IDAZ IRC roadmaps to coordinate future research and bring novel control solutions based on improved diagnostics, new therapeutics and vaccines to real life.

The key priority research needs for controlling helminth infections in farmed ruminants is contained in this document produced by COMBAR:  Research priorities for helminth control in ruminants

Click on the link to see latest roadmaps on helminth infections.