13TSB_ENDANI: Automated pen-side faecal egg counting system for grazing livestock

We propose to develop automated methods for counting parasite eggs in faecal samples from grazing livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, horses and pigs), and for distinguishing the eggs of different parasites. The proposed technology will form the basis of novel pen-side tests to indicate levels of infection in individuals and groups of animals at the point of care, and hence inform decisions on treatment. As a result, use of antiparasitic drugs will become more efficient and more sustainable, and select less strongly for drug resistance, which currently threatens livestock health, welfare and productivity.

We propose to develop automated methods for counting parasite eggs in faecal samples from grazing livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, horses and pigs), and for distinguishing the eggs of different parasites. The proposed technology will form the basis of novel pen-side tests to indicate levels of infection in individuals and groups of animals at the point of care, and hence inform decisions on treatment. As a result, use of antiparasitic drugs will become more efficient and more sustainable, and select less strongly for drug resistance, which currently threatens livestock health, welfare and productivity.

The entire proposal is aimed to have impact, by creating and applying novel methods of parasite egg detection in the faeces of grazing animals. This will greatly simplify and facilitate the use of faecal worm egg counts (FEC) in the management of helminth parasites in farming systems (including cattle, sheep, horses and pigs), with clear benefits to animal health, farming efficiency and the environment.

Who will benefit from this research?

Farmers, consumers of animal products, the UK economy, participants in the project and the broader scientific, animal health and farming communities.

How will they benefit?

Economic benefits:
The farmer: reduced anthelmintic treatment costs, reduced production losses to infection, and improved sustainability of anthelmintic efficacy.

The consumer: lower prices of animal products, greater food security and stability of commodity prices, lower risk of anthelmintic residues in food, more ethical food production from healthy animals with reduced environmental impact.

UK economy: increased farming efficiency and food security and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.

The consortium, a profitable potential product and increased technical and marketing capacity for future animal health products and services.

Social benefits:
Improved resilience of marginal grazing systems in the UK and internationally, and enhanced health and welfare of grazing livestock.

Environmental benefits:
Reduced and more appropriately targeted anthelmintic use, attentuating adverse effects on the environment, for example through toxic effects on free-living invertebrates and decreased prey abundance for bats and other insectivores. Improved viability of organic farming. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to increased production efficiency.