Biological approaches for parasite control as an alternative to chemical methods in animals

Parasite control remains a critical challenge in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and public health due to the their significant health and economic impacts. While chemical parasiticides have historically been effective, their drawbacks, including environmental residues and resistance development, necessitate sustainable alternatives. Biological control (BC), or biocontrol, employs living organisms such as fungi, bacteria, and predators to disrupt parasite life cycles, reduce population density, or prevent establishment through predation, parasitism, pathogenicity, or competition. Direct BC agents reduce parasite populations by limiting reproduction or causing mortality, while indirect agents modify environmental conditions to disrupt parasite life cycles. It offers high specificity, minimizing harm to non-target species, and reduces resistance risks, positioning it as an environmentally friendly alternative. Strategies like classical BC, augmentation, and conservation, often integrated with integrated pest management (IPM) practices such as rotational grazing and selective anthelmintic use, enhance efficacy. By preserving biodiversity and promoting long-term sustainability, BC holds transformative potential for parasite management.