Anthelmintic efficacy in ascarids Parascaris spp. populations in foals and youngstock and existing management strategies on UK stud farms

This project aims to capture current management and control strategies for ascarid populations on a range of UK stud enterprises. A survey of studs will be carried out to determine who is responsible for designing and implementing management practices and what sources of information drive their decision making. The study will identify what, if any diagnostics are currently used on UK studs to detect Parascaris spp, and if they engage with faecal egg counts (FECs) specifically for ascarids. The survey will capture what authorised anthelmintic products are administered to foals and youngstock, and at what age treatment commences in foals. The frequency and choice of anthelmintic products used to target ascarids will be determined. The project will generate data on the use of faecal egg count reduction tests for ascarids (FECRT) on stud.

The project will involve an extensive programme of faecal sampling of naturally infected foals and youngstock over two breeding seasons. This will include FECs, to determine the ascarid egg shedding pattern of foals and youngstock on a range of breeding enterprises of different size, such as Thoroughbred (TB), Warmblood and other studs. In addition sampling of studs pre and post drug treatment by use of the FECRT will allow us to evaluate the efficacy of all currently authorised anthelmintics on ascarid populations. The final stages of the project will integrate FEC/FECRT data with survey results to pinpoint management factors that drive ascarid transmission and practices that promote the development of drug resistance. The project aims to identify management measures that reduce the prevalence and level of ascarid infection so that the selection pressure on anthelmintics can be reduced and their efficacy prolonged. Ultimately, this project will reveal practical steps that can be taken to limit the impact of ascarid infection on the health and welfare of foals and youngstock on studs. At the end of the project, we will exploit our extensive collaborative network to disseminate our findings to multiple stakeholders and provide the latest advice to industry leaders (e.g BEVA and CANTER

This studentship is ideal for a veterinary qualified candidate but is also open to non-veterinary candidates with a high-quality BSc degree and MSc/MRes. The candidate will need to demonstrate excellent communication skills and show an interest in parasitology, drug resistance and horse health and welfare. The project offers the opportunity to work with experts in the field to gain skills in a range of generic career and parasitology research skills.

The post will be at the Leahurst Campus location, University of Liverpool. Interviews will be held using remote methods within 4 weeks of the closing date. The anticipated start date is 1^st October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to jhodgkin@liverpool.ac.uk

For application enquires please contact Prof Jane Hodgkinson, jhodgkin@liverpool.ac.uk

Funding information

This studentship is funded at the UK fee rate only and is not open to those students not eligible for UK fees. It would be ideal for a UK graduate with a veterinary science degree or a non-veterinary qualified individual with a related biological science degree/MSc/MRes. Prior experience of parasitology research is not essential but aptitude and desire to develop deeper skills in this area is essential.  The student will liaise with equine enterprises and veterinarians so good communication skills are essential. This studentship is generously funded for a period of 4 years by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and includes a tax-free stipend of £23,400 per-annum for non-veterinarians, enhanced to £28,783 for a veterinary graduate. All research expenses and fees at the UK rate are included.