Research

Background

Nemotodes, or roundworms, are one of the most common internal parasites of cattle. Infestations can cause decreased weight gain, poor feed conversion, reduced milk production and reproductive performance, and diarrhea. Generally cattle under two years of age are most affected by worms, however; older cattle can still carry and spread worms across the environment. The adult worms in the gastrointestinal tract produce eggs that are deposited on pasture with feces. Once the larvae hatch and grow, they are ingested by other cattle grazing. While they don’t survive indoor or feedlot enviornments, the larvae can over winter in soil and be a source of infection the following spring.

Treatment generally consists of a dewormer like ivermectin or fenbendazole, but worms may become resistant, limiting effectiveness. There is data to suggest that resistance to ivermectin, in particular, may be becoming a serious concern.

Objectives

The objectives of this project are to:

• Identify possible compounds that could be used to control roundworms through both lab-based and parasite-based tests
• Determine how those compounds work to kill roundworms and refine their chemical structures to optimize efficacy
• Test promising drug candidates in naturally infected cattle

Implications of the Research

If successful, this project intends to take at least two compounds to proof of concept stage for further development, broadening the potential toolbox to battle roundworm infections in cattle.