Learning objectives
Endo and ectoparasites of domestic food-producing animals directly or indirectly contribute to reduce sustainability affecting food security, food safety (food borne diseases and pesticide residues), environment (pesticides, pollution and ecotoxicity) and farmer's equity (limited or uneven access to relevant technical information/training). Sustainable parasite control is not an absolute concept given the different regions and productive systems of the world and therefore, could have different levels of adoption and impact on farmers. This course develops a conceptual framework for attaining a reasonable increase in animal production while preserving sustainability. Within this context the capacity to prioritize the target parasite species for control according to local epidemiology and production systems, the early diagnosis and monitoring of parasite resistance as well as the availability of well trained field professionals acquire a major role, creating an enabling environment for present and future decision support system approaches.To summarize, student will learn to utilize Good Animal Husbandry Practices and Integrated Parasite Management (IPM) principles in a pragmatic way allowing the rational use of pesticides.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Sustainability versus current parasite control practices
Pesticides l
Priority areas for support of Intergrated Parasite Management (IPM)
Full programme
Topic 1. Sustainability versus current control practices
-Pesticides and quality control;
-Parasite resistance;
-Diagnosis of resistance;
-The impact of current practices of control on the environment and food safety.
Topic 2. Maximum of efficiency with minimal risk.
-Prioritize the target parasites for control at farm level;
- Intergrated parasite Management (IPM) principle;
- Improved diagnostic interventions;
-Improved disease prevention through artificially induced immunity;
- Improved disease prevention through genetic selection;
- Targeted selective treatment;
- Pasture management
Bibliography
Notes and slides;Parassitologia Veterinaria, Urquart et al, (ed. Genchi C.), UTET, 2006;
Genchi M, Traldi G, Genchi C, Manuale di Parassitologia Veterinaria, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (2010).
Teaching methods
Students will be briefly introduced to the current pratices in parasite control in food-producing animals and the most promising alternatives for sustainable control. Students will then be asked to solve problems in various husbandry settings.
Assessment methods and criteria
Students will be assessed on the basis of the discussion of a PowerPoint presentation that each student will have to create on the basis of the elements acquired.
The presentation of 10-15 slides must contain an overview of the parasite under consideration, the pathology and related problems, management and treatment as well as the possible resolution of the parasitosis in a "sustainable" key.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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