Ecosmart Alternative Control Strategies against T. annulata and its Tick Vectors

Name Ecosmart Alternative Control Strategies against T. annulata and its Tick Vectors
Description This proposal focuses on the development of sustainable, region-specific control strategies for the major tick-borne disease of cattle, tropical theileriosis, caused by the apicomplexan parasite T. annulata. The overall goals are to reduce losses due to tropical theileriosis, contribute to the alleviation of poverty by increasing livestock production and improve food/nutrition security. In this context, the proposal will investigate the current status of disease and seasonal activity of tick species in Egypt and Algeria. This will then be compared with the current situations in Turkey and Portugal, where the parasite and vector populations are better characterised and more is known of the epidemiology. A number of disease control strategies will then be the<br /> subject of research investigation: (1) the development of non-residual tick treatment methods to eliminate food safety concerns, (2) the assessment of buparvaquone-resistant parasite populations in Egypt and Algeria, (3) the evaluation of the resistance or tolerance of autochthonous cattle breeds to disease, (4) the development of efficient and appropriate regionspecific live attenuated vaccines and (5) the identification of transmission-blocking vaccine candidates. The integration of pathogen and host genomics has revolutionised the development of safer and more effective control strategies for a range of infectious diseases. Much basic research has been undertaken on the molecular epidemiology, cell biology and immunology of T. annulata.<br /> However, a current challenge, which this project aims to address, is re-focusing research efforts towards translational goals such as improved vaccines, treatments and policy innovations. This will meet the goals of food security, food safety, alleviation of poverty, improving animal welfare and promoting environmental sustainability. To achieve these ambitions, a multi-disciplinary group of experts has been assembled to study the genetic structure, immunology and epidemiology of T. annulata and vector ticks. Fundamental research on host-pathogen-tick interactions will be closely linked with field studies. The synergy between different groups will not only contribute to development of novel eco-smart, region-specific control measures over<br /> the long-term, but also to the development of improved control measures in the short-to-medium term. A major output of the proposal will be to improve human and animal welfare by providing training and methodology that will enhance the capabilities of scientists and policy-makers to formulate national control policies. The above-mentioned approaches to understanding the epidemiological aspects of the disease will allow quantitative assessment of the cost of carrier state, the threat of buparvaquone resistance and extent of effectiveness of region-specific, live attenuated vaccines. Achieving the expected targets of the project will pave the way to develop sustainable, non-residual, regionspecific and easy-to-apply control methods that can overcome the losses due to tropical theileriosis, contributing to the alleviation of poverty.
Start date 2019-11-15
End date 2022-11-14
Members from Benha Prof Hanem Khater<br /> <br /> Professor of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine
Members abroad Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University (ADU), Turkey<br /> National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Portugal<br /> Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Algeria<br /> University of Glasgow, School of Veterinary Medicine, SCOTLAND, UK
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Output Selim A, Khater H. Identification and discrimination of Theileria annulata by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Vet World. 2022 Apr;15(4):925-929 <br /> Radwan, I.T., Eltaly, R.I., Baz, M.M., Yousif, M., Selim, A., Taie, H.A., Manaa, E.A. and Khater, H.F., 2023. Novel acaricidal and growth-regulating activity of Aloe vera and Rheum rhabarbarum extracts and their oil/water nanoemulsions against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii. Scientific Reports, 13(1), p.16802.<br /> Selim A, Weir W, Khater H. Prevalence and risk factors associated with tropical theileriosis in Egyptian dairy cattle. Vet World. 2022 Apr;15(4):919-924<br /> Mohammed, S.H., Baz, M.M., Ibrahim, M., Radwan, I.T., Selim, A., Dawood, A.F.D., Taie, H.A., Abdalla, S. and Khater, H.F., 2023. Acaricide resistance and novel photosensitizing approach as alternative acaricides against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 22(1), pp.87-101.<br /> Khater, H.F., Bazh, E.K., Gawad, S.A., Selim, A., Taie, H.A., Radwan, I.T., Moustafa, S.A., Megahed, A.A., Baz, M.M. and Kandeel, S.A., 2024. Acaricidal Efficacy of Thirty-Five Egyptian Plants Against the Camel Tick, Hyalomma Dromedarii. Acta Parasitologica, pp.1-13.