Fully Automated Analysis of Parasitic Egg Cells in Faecal Preparations

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The detection and hence targeted control of parasitic worms in grazing livestock, domestic pets and humans in developing countries is of increasing worldwide interest as anthelmintic drug resistance and hence ineffectiveness takes hold. This proposal aims to prototype an automated, portable digital analyser for cytological samples which, in conjunction with cloud based digital image enhancement will provide data sufficiently rich in detail to allow automated machine counting of worm egg cells present in a faecal sample. Such a device has the prospect of being affordable, simple to use, rugged and compact. Automated faecal egg counts will lead to more efficient production of animal products, attenuation of greenhouse gas emissions by livestock, and benefit society at large from more sustainable, ethical and secure food production. Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, domestic pets and potentially humans will benefit from improved health and welfare.