Free-Living Stages of Gastro-Intestinal Nematode Parasites of Ruminants

In an article written by Hannah Rose, Tong Wang, Jan van Dijk, Eric R. Morgan in February 2015, the study of gastrointestinal nematodes was practiced. The basis of this article explores the affects of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites in livestock. The researchers used simulations through historical and predicted data to illustrate how much the prevalence of infections will increase with increased temperatures. The main findings of this article conclude that regions with increased temperatures are more suitable for the growth of nematode parasites such as H. contortus and T. circumcincta. Furthermore, during winter months, the parasite is less likely to thrive due to the low temperatures of the region, decreasing the overall prevalence of the parasites in livestock. Through this, scientists can predict higher occurrences in the presence of nematodes in livestock in the summer and lower occurrences in the winter. This study is very important because it relates to the food we eat from livestock. Through this, with increased numbers of parasites in livestock, the question of how safe ingesting the infected animals for humans is raised. The fact is, our meat may be very questionable because come of it comes from infected livestock. The parasites could very easily be ingested and absorbed into our bodies. The resulting health effects of these gastro-intestinal nematode parasites need to be studied so that we are aware of possible side effects to the cause. Unfortunately, according the article, it can be very difficult to determine the similarities and differences in the behavior of these parasites in human bodies versus that of livestock. The best solution is to find an efficient way of detecting these parasites and avoiding human ingestion. Not only that, the prevention of the spreading of these parasites among livestock is vital to decreasing its prevalence. By taking careful precautions, we can minimize the dangers these gastro-intestinal parasites raise.

CITATION:

Rose, H. and T., Wong 2015 GLOWORM-FL: A simulation model of the effects of climate and climate change on the free-living stages of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites of ruminants. Ecological Modeling: Vol. 297, p232-245