Control of non-vector-borne protozoa

Abstract

In conclusion it can be stated that bovine trichomoniasis and the various types of coccidioses can be fairly well controlled by the presently available methods. The problem of drug resistance in coccidiosis slightly decreased, following the introduction of the ionophorous coccidiostats but did not disappear. The search for new anticoccidial compounds has to be continued. Their finding is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive because new drugs are expected to have not only an anticoccidial activity but to have also a growth-promoting effect, and because safety regulations are becoming increasingly tougher. Due to public opinion against residues and a tendency towards more natural management systems, interest in immunological control measures has significantly increased in recent years. In spite of some effort no commercially expolitable vaccine has been brought forward so far. Modern methods like monoclonal antibody and recombinant DNA techniques are gradually being introduced into parasitological research and there is some hope that efforts will eventually succeed in producing safe and cheap vaccines. In the case of toxoplasmosis and sarcocystosis, much more basic research on the epizootiology and economic importance is needed before control measures can be recommended at a larger scale. There are some indications that the development of a vaccine at least against Toxoplasma-induced abortion in sheep is feasible.