To improve parasite management decision-making, new diagnostic tests are being developed to provide faster, more detailed information allowing farmers to make quicker, more informed choices.
Background:
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are a significant concern for livestock health in New Zealand. Effective management of these parasites requires accurate monitoring to determine which treatment tools to use. Currently, the Faecal Egg Count (FEC) test is commonly used to assess worm burden. While FEC is quick and cost-effective, it does not identify the specific species of parasites present. To determine species, a follow-up larval culture test is needed, which can take two to three weeks for results.
To improve decision-making and reduce costs, we are developing new diagnostic tests that provide faster and more detailed information about parasite burden and species. This new approach aims to help farmers make quicker, more informed choices about parasite management.
Our goal:
- Creation and validation of multiplex real-time PCR tests suitable for commercial laboratories that will:
- Indicate parasite burden in sheep and cattle via eggs in faeces.
- Identify important GIN species from the same sample.
- Deliver results in less than 3 working days from sample submission.
- Be priced affordably for farmers.
- Targeted GIN Species for Detection:
- For Sheep: Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Trichostrongylus vitrinus, Nematodirus sp., Cooperia species.
- For Cattle: Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus vitrinus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Cooperia sp.
Benefits to farmers:
- Faster results: Get results in under 3 working days, allowing for quicker decision-making.
- Comprehensive testing: Identify both parasite burden and species, giving a clearer picture of your livestock's health.
- Cost-effective: Benefit from tests that are affordable, helping to manage expenses while improving parasite control.
- Improved management: Make more informed management decisions with timely and precise diagnostic information, leading to better outcomes for your livestock.
B+LNZ Project Lead
Cara Brosnahan, Principal Scientist – Animal Health Research
Farmer involvement
Provision of samples
Providers
Saeed Sharif, David Tisdall, Lucila Babio, Rachel Howie, Awanui Veterinary
Expected end date
End September 2025
PCR detection