13TSB_ENDANI: Automated pen-side faecal egg counting system for grazing livestock

我们建议开发一种自动计数放牧牲畜（绵羊、山羊、牛、马和猪）粪便样本中寄生虫卵的方法，并用于区分不同寄生虫的卵。拟议的技术将构成新型栏旁检测的基础，以指示护理点的个人和动物群体的感染水平，从而为治疗决策提供信息。因此，抗寄生虫药物的使用将变得更有效和更可持续，并减少对目前威胁牲畜健康、福利和生产力的耐药性的强烈选择。

We propose to develop automated methods for counting parasite eggs in faecal samples from grazing livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, horses and pigs), and for distinguishing the eggs of different parasites. The proposed technology will form the basis of novel pen-side tests to indicate levels of infection in individuals and groups of animals at the point of care, and hence inform decisions on treatment. As a result, use of antiparasitic drugs will become more efficient and more sustainable, and select less strongly for drug resistance, which currently threatens livestock health, welfare and productivity.