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Parasite study sheds light on anthelmintic resistance
The barber pole worm is resistant to major anthelmintics
Barber pole worm study offers hope for new treatments

A new study of the barber pole worm has offered insights into how treatments work and why anthelmintic resistance may occur.

Barber pole worm, or Haemonchus contortus, is a parasitic worm that lives in the gut of sheep and other livestock worldwide, and is now resistant to all major anthelmintics.

To find out how and why resistance has occurred, the research team studied a strain of H contortus that is susceptible to all major treatments for parasitic worms.

Scientists identified five enzymes key to the survival of the barber pole worm, two of which are already being studied as potential drug targets – one against another type of worm, the other against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

According to funding institute the Wellcome Trust, the barber pole worm is endemic on all UK farms and is a significant threat to global food security. It is estimated to cost the UK sheep industry more than £80 million each year.

"Getting to grips with genomes such as that of H contortus is our best option to tackle the issue of drug resistance and develop new drugs against parasitic worms," said Professor Neil Sargison, study author from the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

The research team also identified a set of genes that were more active within the parasite's gut, and at certain stages of its life cycle. It is hoped this information will offer a source of potential drug and vaccine candidates.

Co-author Professor Jon Gilleard, of the University of Calgary, said: "Not only is this worm closely related to many other parasites of livestock it is also similar to some species of worms in humans.

"This makes it an extremely important model parasite species for experimental studies. Revealing new drug targets against H contortus could provide much-needed new treatment opportunities against parasitic worms in both animals and humans."

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.