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 of the current parasite control practices
Antiparasitic drugs
Integrate Parasite Management (IPM) and new possibilities and alternatives to use of common drugs and pesticides
Full programme
Topic 1. Sustainability versus current control practices
Pesticides, antiparasitic drugs and quality control;
-Parasite drug-resistance;
-Diagnosis of pharmacological resistance;
-The impact of current practices of control on the environment and food safety.
Topic 2. Maximum efficiency with minimal risk.
-Prioritize the target parasites for control at farm level;
- Integrated parasite Management (IPM) principles;
- 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 presented during front lectures;
Book title: 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
The exam foresees the discussion of a PowerPoint presentation of one parasite that each student will have to create on the basis of the elements acquired during front-lectures and individual study.
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 more "sustainable" way.
Scores:
Quality of presentation (biological cycle 2, pathogenesis 2, epidemiology 2, problems in breeding 2, management of parasitosis according to the classic method 3 and possible sustainable alternatives 4): 1-15
Use of correct and adequate terminology: 1-5
Clear and fluent exposure: 1-5
Search for material and data independently (scientific publications, EFSA, ECDC reports, etc.) and their presentation clearly and using appropriate scientific terms:1-5
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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