Excessive drug use is leading to anthelmintic resistance in worm parasites, according to a new EU parasite control project.

The Sustainable Parasite Control Campaign (SPARC) – a new horizon in Europe, will launch in February 2025 and is set to trial alternative methods for controlling worm infections.

The project will be co-ordinated by Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Kreavet in Belgium.

Infection by parasitic worms is estimated to cost the livestock sector upwards of €1.8 billion a year in Europe, with 80% of this due to production losses and 20% due to treatment costs. \ CJ Nash

According to SPARC, all grazing animals are exposed to helminth infections, that negatively impact their welfare and excessive drug use as a preventative is leading to anthelmintic resistance.

The project organisers said there are multiple benefits if a sustainable solution can be found.

“Evidence shows that controlling worm infections in ruminants can significantly reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.”

Animal Health Ireland

This will be a three-year project between researchers, veterinarians, advisory services, farmers, and industry involving 15 partners across Europe, including Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and the Queen’s University of Belfast in Northern Ireland.

AHI said it is looking forward to highlighting “the best practices in parasite control in a way that is practical for farmers and veterinarians, to improve animal health and welfare, economic performance and environmental sustainability.”

The Irish company plans to establish a network of Irish farmers, advisers and veterinarians to trial sustainable options for parasite control, beyond only using anthelmintic medicines.

The project is currently in a ‘proof of concept’ phase in the dairy, beef and sheep sectors.

For any farmers who wish to get involved in trialling these practices, AHI said there will be experts in the topic and tools over two grazing seasons available.