Towards precision parasite management for livestock gastrointestinal nematodes in 2030

• Published in: Trends in parasitology 2024-10, Vol.40 (10), p.886-895
• Main Authors: Šlapeta, Jan, Vande Velde, Fiona, Martínez-Valladares, María, Canton, Candela, Claerebout, Edwin, Gilleard, John Stuart
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anthelmintics - therapeutic use; decision making; disease; Drug Resistance; farming; Gastrointestinal Diseases - drug therapy; Gastrointestinal Diseases - parasitology; Gastrointestinal Diseases - therapy; Gastrointestinal Diseases - veterinary; infection; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic - drug therapy; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic - veterinary; Livestock - parasitology; Nematoda - drug effects; Nematode Infections - drug therapy; Nematode Infections - parasitology; Nematode Infections - veterinary
• ISSN: 1471-4922; 1471-5007; 1471-5007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.08.002

We advocate for the widespread adoption of molecular diagnostics, alongside traditional methods, to support sustainable nematode management.Tangible examples utilising molecular diagnostics as proof-of-concept studies are urgently needed, particularly those involving longitudinal multiple grazing season studies.While absolute quantification of parasite DNA in samples is a priority, it is equally important to define thresholds for treatment and to develop and optimise tools that consider the host and its specific immune response.Facilitating open dialogue between farmers and veterinarians regarding sustainable management is essential, encouraging joint planning and collaboration instead of treating them as distinct entities with separate agendas. 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. 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.