04/09/2026
WEEKLY RESEARCH SHARE
A 'green' toolbox: non-chemotherapeutic approaches for gastrointestinal nematode control in ruminants
Highlights
*Research in a 'green' toolbox for gastrointestinal nematode control has resulted in significant progress for parasite management in ruminants, including host genetic improvement, vaccines, dietary modulation of host immunity and infections, grazing management and biological control.
*Novel research approaches and technologies have been explored to address mechanistic and applied challenges.
*'Green' strategies may achieve modest initial efficacy independently, but integration of several tools could reduce nematode burdens in the host and lead to cumulative effects on parasite populations.
*Combination of 'green' tools requires better understanding of their interactions through empirical and modelling studies.
*Future development of 'green' interventions may enhance their efficacies and on-farm implementation, while advancing our understanding of host–parasite–environment interactions.
Abstract
Grazing ruminants are commonly infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, and their negative impacts on animal health, welfare and production are intensified by increasing anthelmintic drug resistance. The goal of reducing anthelmintic use while preserving effective parasite control has motivated research on non-chemotherapeutic interventions, including those relevant to 'green'/organic ruminant production systems. However, 'green' control strategies are at varying levels of development, and an updated overview of the fragmented evidence is timely before they can be integrated with current parasite management. Here, we highlight recent scientific progress of selected non-chemotherapeutic tools for gastrointestinal nematode control in ruminants, existing knowledge gaps, and how novel research approaches and new technologies are contributing to their testing, further development and on-farm implementation, while advancing our understanding of host–parasite–environment interactions.
Source: Trends in Parasitology, Sept 2025
Read full article at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2025.07.008
