95982 - Sustainable Control of Parasitic Diseases in Food Animal Production Systems

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students can apply sustainable control of ecto and endoparasites of major concern for food animal production. In particular students acquire updated knowledge on target parasitic diseases with particular attention to their epidemiology, efficient monitoring plans and early diagnosis, rational use of antiparasitic drugs and Integrated Parasite Management (IPM) strategies, and biosecurity practices tailored on different parasites and farm conditions.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “SUSTAINABLE CONTROL OF TRANSMISSIBLE DISEASES IN FOOD ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS”.

Upon completion of the Integrated Course unit, the student will be able to apply sustainable control of ecto and endoparasites of major concern for food animal production. Students acquire updated knowledge on target parasitic diseases with particular attention to their epidemiology, efficient monitoring plans and early diagnosis, rational use of antiparasitic drugs and Integrated Parasite Management (IPM) strategies, and biosecurity practices tailored on different parasites and farm conditions.

Specific prerequisites for this course:

To better understand the topics covered in this course, students are advised to have already acquired knowledge in the following areas: basic knowledge on zoology and parasitology.

Introduction to the main concepts linked to:

• General concepts of parasitism. Definition of parasite and host. Essential terminology in parasitology. Overview of taxonomy and biology of parasites of veterinary interest. Host-parasite relationships and effects of parasites on the host. Routes of entry and exit of parasites. (2 hours)
• Introduction to the diagnostic techniques applied to the main parasitic diseases in livestock animals (2 hours)

Main parasitic diseases of livestock animals (cattle, sheep, goat and pig) with main focus on their life cycle and epidemiology:

• Diseases caused by Apicomplexan: Coccidiosis and Cryptosporidiosis (2 hours)
• Diseases caused by Apicomplexan: Neosporosis and Toxoplasmosis (3 hours)
• Diseases caused by Digenetic Trematodes: Fasciolosis and Dicrocoeliosis (1 hour)
• Diseases caused by cestodes: Echinococcosis and Teniasis (2 hours)
• Diseases caused by nematodes: Gastrointestinal nematodes (2 hour)
• Diseases caused by nematodes: Lungworms (2 hours)
• Diseases caused by nematodes: Trichinellosis (2 hours)
• Pig diseases (2 hours)
• Diseases cause by arthropods (2 hours)
• Fishborne zoonotic parasites (2 hours)
• Laboratory session (4 hours)

The course also provides the knowledge to identify the specific environmental factors influencing the choices in terms of pest control and integrated management strategies (biosecurity measures).

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

This course is part of the Integrated Course "SUSTAINABLE CONTROL OF TRANSMISSIBLE DISEASES IN FOOD ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS", which also includes the teaching units of STRATEGIES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD-ANIMAL PRODUCTIONS. The final grade for the Integrated Course will be a single grade, calculated as the average of the final evaluations of each component course.

As an integrated course, the official grade registrer is Prof. Monica Caffara. (I.C.)

The assessment of learning is through an oral exam, which aims at testing the knowledge acquired by the student on the topics covered during the course.

The oral test consists of a first topic chosen by the student and a second question by the teacher, both included among the topics presented during the course.

In evaluating the oral exam, the instructor will use the following grading scale:

- Basic understanding of only a few course topics; analysis skills emerge only with the instructor’s help; generally correct language → 18–22

- Limited knowledge of several topics; independent analysis only on procedural issues; correct language use → 23–26

- Broad knowledge of course topics; ability to make autonomous critical judgments; mastery of discipline-specific terminology → 27–29

- Comprehensive understanding of course content; fully independent critical analysis and connections; excellent command of terminology and argumentation skills → 30–30 with honors

The result of the oral exam will be communicated at the end of the session.

The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Examining professor responsible for recording the grades: Monica Caffara

Teaching tools

The theoretical lectures take place in a classroom supplied with multimedia equipment (web-connected PC and PC video-projector), with powerpoint presentations.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Monica Caffara