Tailored use of dewormers and detection of drug resistance in endoparasites in sheep

Background

Infestation with gastrointestinal parasites is a significant veterinary problem in grazing sheep. As deworming remains the cornerstone of parasite control in sheep, the consequences are extremely serious if parasites develop resistance to deworming agents (anthelmintics).

While each deworming session selects for resistance, animals will be re-infected when deworming is carried out at the wrong time and on animals in a parasite-infested environment. Therefore, it is important to assess the need for drug use. However, when there is a balance between the number of dewormings and a reasonable infection pressure, the use of dewormers is sustainable in the long term.

Goal

The aim of the project is to develop a science-based program for monitoring gastrointestinal parasites in sheep, taking into account the farm's herd size and pasture utilization.

Project description

We will also develop new methodology to be able to detect at an early stage if the treatment effect is reduced / fails due to drug resistance.

The project will be conducted in a large sheep flock in central Sweden in collaboration with veterinarians from Gård & Djurhälsan.

Specifications

None for this project. Welcome with your application!