Parasites, Plants, and People

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• One Health Initiative
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Anthelminthic resistance is a significant global challenge, particularly in livestock farming in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Current parasite control methods face limitations due to resistance, necessitating innovative approaches.
• The One Health framework highlights the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore alternative parasite management strategies in livestock.
• To investigate the potential of diverse, plant-based diets for reducing parasite burdens.
• To assess the broader impacts of such strategies on community well-being and environmental health.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on anthelminthic resistance and alternative parasite control.
• Analysis of the role of plant diversity in livestock diets for parasite management.
• Conceptual framework integrating One Health principles.

Main Results:

• Diverse plant-based diets show promise in lowering parasite burdens in livestock.
• Implementing these strategies can enhance animal health and reduce reliance on chemical treatments.
• Potential co-benefits include improved local community cultural well-being and environmental protection.

Conclusions:

• Alternative parasite management through dietary diversification is a viable strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand.
• The One Health approach provides a valuable framework for developing integrated parasite control solutions.
• Further research into specific plant-animal-environment interactions is warranted to optimize these strategies.