sustainable worm control
What we do
Ruminant farming, which includes cattle, sheep, and goats, is essential for rural development and environmentally sustainable land use.
With 77 million cattle and 74 million sheep and goats in Europe, this type of farming is deeply integrated into European culture and vital for maintaining rural communities and food security. Grazing animals also contribute to landscape conservation, nature protection, tourism, and various other ecosystem services. One of the major challenges in ruminant farming is managing parasitic worm infections, which affect animal health and productivity and cost the livestock sector over €1.8 billion annually in Europe. Effective worm control is crucial for the health, welfare, and efficiency of these animals. It also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is in line with the policy of sustainable development goals in Europe and United Nations.
Worm control relies on regular administration of anthelmintic drugs.
However, the overuse of antiparasitic drugs has resulted in widespread anthelmintic resistance, complicating parasite control efforts. This is an increasing global issue, with nearly half to most parasite populations exhibiting resistance to commonly used drugs. Therefore, the responsible and wise use of these medications is crucial to maintaining effective parasite control.
At SPARC, we work with farmers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable worm control strategies, such as better pasture management, use of bio-active forages, and targeted treatments based on diagnostics.
Our goal is to reduce reliance on drugs and minimize environmental impact. We also focus on understanding and overcoming barriers to adopting thes sustainable practices. By creating tailored solutions and sharing best practices across Europe, we aim to foster a lasting community dedicated to improving worm control and supporting the green transition in agriculture.
