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Targeted treatment of gastrointestinal nematode infections in cattle in Ireland Laura Catherine Miskell (24169779) PUREID: 638663054 Veterinary parasitology targeted selective treatment gastrointestinal nematodes anthelmintic resistance Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) pose a significant threat to global livestock production, causing substantial economic losses through reduced feed intake, tissue damage, impaired nutrient absorption, and diarrhoea. In response, farmers have relied heavily on prophylactic anthelmintic treatments to control infection levels. However, widespread use of anthelmintics has led to the emergence of resistance among GINs, presenting a critical challenge for sustainable parasite management. This thesis investigates the epidemiology of anthelmintic resistance in livestock, evaluates alternative treatment strategies, and models the impact of different approaches on parasite burden.<br><br>The introductory chapter outlines the scope of the problem, the limitations of current control strategies, and the importance of farmer behaviour in the adoption of sustainable practices. Chapter two reviews existing literature on targeted and targeted selective treatment (TT and TST) in first season grazing (FSG) cattle, identifying research gaps by referencing studies in sheep and older cattle. Chapter three analyses a cross-sectional survey on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to anthelmintic resistance among cattle and sheep farmers in the UK and Ireland. Results reveal species-specific differences in the uptake of best practice guidelines and highlight the role of experience and knowledge in effective parasite control.<br><br>Chapter four focuses on nematode control strategies on Irish beef farms, reporting suspected resistance on several farms and one case of TT application. Chapter five uses epidemiological modelling to simulate the effects of TT and partial herd treatments on pasture larval burdens compared to traditional approaches. A threshold for L3 larval intake is proposed, guiding the design of more effective treatment schedules. The final chapter synthesises findings and discusses the potential development of a decision support tool to guide anthelmintic use, aiming to reduce reliance on prophylactic treatments and slow resistance development.<br> 2026-10-01T16:26:09Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32641065.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Targeted_treatment_of_gastrointestinal_nematode_infections_in_cattle_in_Ireland/32641065 All Rights Reserved