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<OL> <LI> To monitor the incidence and magnitudes of the various types of helminth infections that establish in Arkansas farm animals. <LI> To investigate the epidemiology of the above parasitisms. <LI> To develop means of control (husbandry and chemical) for the above parasitisms.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Farm animals live under conditions of continuous assault by an enormous array of internal and external parasites. This project addresses the identification, definition (epidemiology) and control of these parasitisms. With data on the levels and incidence of helminthiasis in our farm animals, we can evaluate methods of control in addition to investigating the degree of detriment these infections exact. Chemical means of parasite control in farm animal production should not be the only option. Husbandry modification, genetic selection and strategic drug usage are definitely required for optimized animal productivity and welfare. The efficacies of parasiticides as used in herbivores have been decreasing for several years. In addition, no new medications have become available for 25 years; a period of time during which several key helminths have become clearly resistant to all current parasiticides. Our data will serve to document these levels of resistance, clarify what can be effected with current medicines, and hopefully hasten the development of new products for worm control in cattle.
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APPROACH: Field samplings of fecal samples (herbivores) and sacrificed animals (avians) will be examined via established methods to determine the presence of the various helminths. Depending on the above, structured studies will be conducted to assess the overall dimensions of the parasitisms as well as what means (husbandry, chemical intervention, etc) might be best employed to curb the helminths. Product evaluations will also be performed so that the most effective products might be determined.