Scientists at the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland, have successfully immunized sheep against the barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus). The barber pole worm is a blood-sucking parasite that causes significant livestock losses in warm, humid climates.
The highly effective vaccine developed at Moredun won't kill 100% of the parasite, but it will reduce the worm burden by 80-90%, according to researcher David Smith.The vaccine works by killing the worm and preventing development of eggs.
The vaccine is currently being tested on 100 grazing lambs in Australia and when successful, plans are in place to start making it commercially in Australia.
Currently, there are no commercially available vaccines for any roundworm species of any host, including man.
Read full article at Farmers Guardian
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