Towards precision parasite management for livestock gastrointestinal nematodes in 2030

Trends Parasitol. 2024 Oct;40(10):886-895. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.08.002. Epub 2024 Aug 30.

Abstract

The management of parasitic nematodes calls for a shift from conventional, indiscriminate, anthelmintic use to a more precise approach, directed by diagnostics. We should accept those parasite infection intensities that have minimal impact on production and welfare rather than attempt to eliminate them. The diagnostic toolbox for gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) faces challenges due to anthelmintic resistance (AR), which is species-specific, drug-class-specific, and varies by region. We discuss which traditional tools may become obsolete and which tools need development to gain widespread use. Social science research highlights the need for dialogue between farmers and veterinarians that emphasises effective parasite management and upskilling the veterinary workforce for more sustainable practices centred on diagnostics to be adopted in practice by 2030.

Keywords: decision making; disease; farming; infection; performance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics* / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / parasitology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / veterinary
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / veterinary
  • Livestock* / parasitology
  • Nematoda* / drug effects
  • Nematode Infections* / drug therapy
  • Nematode Infections* / parasitology
  • Nematode Infections* / veterinary

Substances

  • Anthelmintics