Animal Parasitic Infections: Diversity, Control, and Zoonotic Risks
Received: 03-Mar-2025 / Manuscript No. JVMH-25-179394 / Editor assigned: 05-Mar-2025 / PreQC No. JVMH-25-179394 (PQ) / Reviewed: 19-Mar-2025 / QC No. JVMH-25-179394 / Revised: 24-Mar-2025 / Manuscript No. JVMH-25-179394 (R) / Published Date: 31-Mar-2025
Abstract
This body of work investigates parasitic infections in various animal populations, focusing on genetic diversity, control strategies, drug resistance, and zoonotic potential. Studies cover *Toxoplasma gondii* in cats, ectoparasites in livestock, *Echinococcus granulosus* in sheep, and *Haemonchus contortus* in small ruminants. Wildlife parasites and their public health implications are also discussed. Additionally, research examines acaricide efficacy against cattle ticks, parasitic infections in urban dogs, nematode control in sheep, and *Neospora caninum* in cattle. The collective findings emphasize the need for integrated parasite management, novel control methods, and robust public health measures to address these significant animal and human health challenges.
Keywords
Parasitic Infections; Zoonotic Transmission; Drug Resistance; Livestock Health; Wildlife Parasites; Integrated Parasite Management; Animal Health; Public Health; Tick Control; Nematodes
Introduction
This collection of research highlights the pervasive and multifaceted nature of parasitic infections across various animal populations and geographical regions, with a significant emphasis on their implications for animal health, agricultural productivity, and public well-being. The genetic characterization of *Toxoplasma gondii* in domestic cats from central Chile reveals high genetic diversity within parasite isolates, underscoring the potential for zoonotic transmission and the critical need for public health measures to mitigate human exposure, particularly through cat feces [1].
Furthermore, the challenges and strategies for controlling ectoparasites in livestock within Latin America are comprehensively reviewed, addressing the detrimental impact on animal health and economic productivity, the efficacy of current control methods, and the escalating issue of resistance to antiparasitic drugs, advocating for integrated parasite management approaches [2].
Molecular epidemiology of *Echinococcus granulosus* in sheep from southern Chile is explored, identifying circulating genotypes that are vital for understanding parasite transmission dynamics and developing targeted control programs for this zoonotic cestode, thereby contributing to regional knowledge on echinococcosis [3].
In parallel, the efficacy of novel anthelmintic compounds against *Haemonchus contortus*, a major gastrointestinal nematode affecting small ruminants, is rigorously examined through in vitro and in vivo evaluations. This research directly confronts the critical issue of anthelmintic resistance and is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies [4].
The broader context of parasitic diseases in wildlife is presented as a global perspective on emerging challenges and opportunities, emphasizing their implications for conservation efforts and public health. The zoonotic potential of certain wildlife parasites is highlighted, reinforcing the necessity of One Health approaches for effective monitoring and control [5].
Within the realm of tick-borne diseases, the effectiveness of various acaricide treatments against *Rhipicephalus microplus* ticks on cattle in subtropical regions is investigated. This study evaluates residual efficacy and discusses the implications for tick-borne disease control and the economic impact on the cattle industry, with a strong emphasis on resistance management strategies [6].
The prevalence of parasitic infections in dogs within urban areas of Chile is also a focal point, identifying common endoparasites and ectoparasites. This research underscores the importance of regular deworming and ectoparasite control programs for companion animals, considering their potential role in zoonotic transmission and public health concerns [7].
The impact of diverse management practices on parasitic loads in sheep, particularly in Mediterranean climates, is assessed. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of grazing strategies and anthelmintic treatments in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes, offering valuable insights for sustainable parasite control in sheep farming operations [8].
Globally, the persistent challenge of antinematodal drug resistance in ruminants is critically examined. This discussion delves into the mechanisms of resistance, diagnostic complexities, and the urgent need for novel control strategies, including the exploration of non-chemical alternatives and integrated parasite management frameworks [9].
Finally, the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with *Neospora caninum* infection in cattle in Chile are investigated. This parasite is a significant cause of abortion and neurological disease, and the study assesses factors linked to infection, discussing implications for the dairy industry and potential zoonotic transmission, thereby highlighting the importance of biosecurity measures [10].
Description
The genetic diversity of *Toxoplasma gondii* in domestic cats from central Chile is a significant finding, indicating a complex epidemiological landscape and potential for zoonotic transmission to humans. This research underscores the critical role of public health initiatives in preventing human toxoplasmosis, particularly concerning exposure to cat feces, and emphasizes the necessity of understanding parasite epidemiology for effective control [1].
A comprehensive review outlines the current hurdles and successful strategies in managing ectoparasites affecting livestock across Latin America. It meticulously details the adverse effects of these parasites on animal welfare and agricultural output, scrutinizes the efficacy of existing control modalities, and addresses the escalating problem of antiparasitic drug resistance, advocating for the adoption of integrated parasite management systems [2].
In southern Chile, molecular epidemiology studies of *Echinococcus granulosus* in sheep have successfully identified distinct genotypes circulating within the region. This information is instrumental in comprehending parasite transmission patterns and in designing focused intervention programs for this zoonotic cestode, thereby enhancing regional understanding of echinococcosis [3].
The efficacy of newly developed anthelmintic compounds against *Haemonchus contortus*, a prevalent gastrointestinal nematode in small ruminants, has been thoroughly evaluated using both in vitro and in vivo methodologies. This work directly addresses the pressing concern of anthelmintic resistance and is indispensable for the advancement of new treatment protocols [4].
Research on parasitic diseases in wildlife provides a global overview of emerging challenges and potential opportunities, emphasizing their far-reaching implications for both conservation biology and human health. The zoonotic capabilities of certain wildlife parasites are a particular concern, necessitating the implementation of One Health principles for robust monitoring and control frameworks [5].
Investigating the effectiveness of various acaricide treatments against *Rhipicephalus microplus* ticks on cattle in subtropical areas, this study meticulously evaluates residual efficacy. It further discusses the ramifications for controlling tick-borne diseases and the economic consequences for the cattle sector, placing a particular emphasis on strategies for managing resistance development [6].
Studies on the prevalence of parasitic infections in dogs residing in urban settings in Chile have successfully identified common endoparasites and ectoparasites. This research highlights the fundamental importance of consistent deworming schedules and effective ectoparasite control strategies for companion animals, considering their potential role in zoonotic transmission and overall public health [7].
The influence of varied management techniques on the parasitic loads found in sheep within Mediterranean climatic zones has been investigated. The study assesses the efficacy of different grazing systems and anthelmintic interventions in managing gastrointestinal nematodes, yielding crucial insights for the development of sustainable parasite control practices in sheep husbandry [8].
The global landscape of antinematodal drug resistance in ruminants is critically examined, with a focus on resistance mechanisms, diagnostic difficulties, and the imperative for developing innovative control measures. This includes the consideration of non-chemical alternatives and comprehensive integrated parasite management plans [9].
An assessment of the seroprevalence and risk factors linked to *Neospora caninum* infection in cattle within Chile has been conducted. This parasite is recognized as a major contributor to abortion and neurological disorders in cattle, and the study evaluates factors associated with its prevalence, discussing its impact on the dairy industry and the potential for zoonotic transmission, while stressing the importance of stringent biosecurity protocols [10].
Conclusion
This compilation of studies addresses critical parasitic infections in animals, spanning from cats and dogs to livestock and wildlife. Research highlights the genetic diversity of *Toxoplasma gondii* in cats and the implications for zoonotic transmission [1].
Ectoparasite control in Latin American livestock faces challenges including drug resistance, necessitating integrated management [2].
Molecular typing of *Echinococcus granulosus* in Chilean sheep aids in understanding transmission and control [3].
Novel anthelmintics are being developed to combat resistance in *Haemonchus contortus* [4].
Parasitic diseases in wildlife pose risks to conservation and public health [5].
Acaricide efficacy against cattle ticks is evaluated for disease control and resistance management [6].
Parasitic infections in urban dogs in Chile are studied for zoonotic implications [7].
Grazing management impacts nematode loads in sheep [8].
Antinematodal drug resistance in ruminants is a global concern requiring new strategies [9].
*Neospora caninum* infection in Chilean cattle is assessed for its impact on the dairy industry and zoonotic potential [10].
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Citation: Silva A (2025) Animal Parasitic Infections: Diversity, Control, and Zoonotic Risks. J Vet Med Health 09: 291.
Copyright: 漏 2025 Alejandro Silva This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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