Lauren OShea

Project Title: Sustainable Control of Internal Parasites of Sheep

Overview: Lauren will be undertaking a project entitled “Sustainable Control of Internal Parasites of Sheep” The primary goals of this study will be characterising the different species of gastrointestinal nematodes that infect the Irish lamb and Ewe population, as well as investigating the anthelmintic resistance status of these species.

The pasture based systems sheep production systems utilised in Ireland, commonly result in lambs being continuously exposed to Gastrointestinal nematodes, which have an impact on animal health and overall productivity causing losses to farms. Traditionally, anthelmintics have been used to combat these losses. However, with recent studies highlighting the presence of resistance to the three main anthelmintics on a number of farms. This strategy must be evaluated going forward.

More sustainable practices are now needed, to reduce the exposure to gastrointestinal nematodes, to optimise the use of effective anthelmintics, and prevent emergence of further resistance. Throughout this study Lauren will be employing high throughput molecular methods to characterise the major species of GIN, to identify the anthelmintic status of these species. As well as this an investigation will be conducted into management strategies, to target a reduction in exposure, a reduction in the development in resistance, as well as the efficacy of a replacement strategy.

Lauren graduated from the Munster Technological University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Veterinary Bioscience. During this course she developed a keen interest in parasitology completing her final year project on “Investigating Wild Deer as a Reservoir for Gastrointestinal Nematodes found in Livestock” She is very excited to continue on in this field.

Programme Area: Animal and Bioscience Department

Supervisors: Dr. Orla Keane, Dr. Philip Creighton and Prof. Theo de Waal

Location: Teagasc Athenry

Funding Source: Teagasc