Development of new methods
As well as providing a diagnostic service to the farming industry, AFBI's 
parasitology section is engaged in the development of new methods of testing for drug resistance in parasitic infections and also in conducting near-market field trials on new anthelmintics and management–based control strategies.
Much of this research is carried out in collaboration with Queen’s University, Belfast.
On farm expense
The expenditure by Northern Ireland farmers on anthelmintic drugs is a multi-million pound market. Of this, a considerable proportion is wasted by the use of inappropriate drugs to which the parasites have developed resistance.
In addition, the cost of raising a beef or dairy calf to finishing or breeding condition or a lamb to slaughter weight is increased by at least 30% if that animal harbours even a moderate burden of gastrointestinal parasites.
Parasitic resistance
Resistance of nematode parasites and liver fluke in sheep and cattle to the commonly used anthelmintics is an increasing problem and likely to have a significant economic impact on these sectors of the agricultural industry in the UK and Ireland in the near future.
Indeed, parasitic disease represents the greatest limiting factor to successful and sustainable ruminant livestock production worldwide, including the UK and Northern Ireland.
Contact
email: info@afbini.gov.uk
Telephone: +44(0)028 9052 5615