Combating rise of anthelmintic resistance

The Growing Crisis
Anthelmintic resistance is emerging as a significant threat to global livestock production, endangering food security, animal welfare, and the economic stability of farmers. Gastrointestinal parasites, particularly Haemonchus contortus, pose one of the most pressing health challenges for small ruminants such as sheep and goats. They cause damage by migrating to the stomach of the infected animal, attaching, and beginning to suck on the animal’s blood. Historically, farmers have relied on dewormers (anthelmintic drugs) to control parasitic infections. Still, the overuse and misuse of these treatments have led to the parasites developing resistance, leaving livestock producers with limited viable options.

The American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control and the USDA has identified parasite resistance as a major challenge facing the livestock industry. According to research, an increasing number of farms report reduced efficacy of commonly used dewormers, leading to persistent parasitic infections that compromise animal growth, reproduction, and overall health. If left unaddressed, this resistance threatens the sustainability of livestock production and increases the cost of parasite management.

To be more specific a survey of sheep and goat farms in the southeastern US the authors reported H. contortus larvae resistant to all classes of anthelmintic drugs such as benzimidazole, levamisole, ivermectin, and moxidectin (Howell et al., 2008). Major Sheep-producing countries such as (South Africa, United Kingdom, Spain, and the USA) have documented cases of anthelmintic resistance, and some researchers have reported an increase GIN resistant species and a worsening situation.
Way Forward: Sustainable Solutions and Genetic Selection

Researchers have been investigating several alternative controls ranging from managing the grazing of the animals aiming to reduce the chances of picking up the parasite while feeding to using medicinal plants instead of drugs. One of the most promising approaches to combating anthelmintic resistance is the use of selective breeding to enhance natural parasite resistance in livestock.

Our Approach: Novel molecular insight to improve breeding value
My research is focused on not just identifying genes that play a role in parasite resistance but on the output of the interaction of those genes and their environment. The environment in this case may be certain stimuli for example a parasite. When there is a parasite infection what is the product of the interaction of the host gene and the parasite? This brings us to the concept of metabolomics. To put it simply Metabolomics measures metabolites.

What are these metabolites? Metabolites are the end products of intricate interactions between the genome, and the environment outside the cell or organism. The metabolomic technique is a high throughput analysis that requires advanced expertise and equipment. My research focuses on leveraging advanced molecular techniques, such as metabolomics, to identify genetic markers and metabolites linked to parasite resistance. By understanding these mechanisms, we can improve breeding programs, ensuring future generations of livestock possess stronger natural defenses against parasitic infections.

What we’ve found:
As part of my thesis research, we tested the effect of the parasite infection on pregnant ewes. We discovered that even in fairly resistant animals, infection during this stage has the potential to compromise certain constituents of the ewe milk. This would have a direct impact on lambs born to these infected ewes. To compound things the life cycle of the parasite increases the chances of infection during a typical sheep breeding season. We are currently evaluating the lambs to see if there are considerable long-term effects of this on their development. This project is conducted in Dr. Estrada-Reyes’s Animal Molecular Biology lab the Department of Animal Science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr Estrada Reyes is the Principal investigator and assistant professor in the same department.

The National and Global Impact
Anthelmintic resistance extends beyond agriculture—it is a public health concern. Many of the same parasites affecting livestock can also impact humans, and resistance developed in animals can translate to challenges in human medicine. Addressing this issue is not just about protecting livestock but ensuring the integrity of our food systems and public health infrastructure.
Conclusion
The fight against anthelmintic resistance requires a multifaceted approach, combining genetics, technology, and sustainable management practices. As a researcher dedicated to advancing livestock health and sustainability, my research contributes to this effort by uncovering key molecular signatures associated with parasite resistance. My work focuses on providing evidence-based solutions that empower farmers, protect animal welfare, and safeguard the future of agriculture. By investing in innovative research and conservation efforts, we can turn the tide against anthelmintic resistance and build a more resilient agricultural system for generations to come.

About the Author
Sola Ikuejamoye-Omotore is a researcher and Laboratory Technician in the Department of Animal Science at North Carolina A&T State University. He earned his Bachelor of Agriculture (Animal Production and Health) from the Federal University of Agricultural Abeokuta Nigeria where he graduated top of his class and faculty. He went further to earn his master’s in Agricultural and Environmental Systems from North Carolina A&T State University making impactful research during his master’s program. His work focuses on sustainable livestock production, parasite resistance, and precision agriculture techniques such as metabolomics and infrared thermography. He has presented his research at national and international conferences, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices in the United States and globally.