SPUR Project

2009 Winner (8 of 13)

The Prevalence and Environmental Persistence of Angiostrongylus vasorum, a Nematode Parasite of Canids
Supervisor: Dr Jacqueline Boyd, Dr Sarah Bottom

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode parasite of canids, which is associated with significant levels of morbidity and mortality, and therefore constitutes a significant health and welfare issue. Current findings suggest that within the domestic dog population of the British Isles, the incidence and detection of A. vasorum is spreading beyond those areas traditionally viewed as endemic foci (Manning, 2007). This has lead to A. vasorum being described as an emerging pathogen. Despite this, at present there is a limited awareness of this parasite both within the veterinary profession and the wider community associated with animal health and welfare. The project examined the prevalence of A. vasorum within host species (both intermediate and definitive) utilising non-invasive methods of collection and diagnosis. It was also anticipated that methods to effectively and efficiently analyse intermediate host secretions for infective larvae of the parasite would also be developed. Both of these aspects will contribute to an enhanced understanding of the parasite’s biology and potentially permitting strategic alterations to current prevention and treatment regimes. Student tasks included collecting sample material from host species and analysing it for the presence of A. vasorum infection via a modified Baermann technique. This method is a standard parasitology technique, which involves the acquisition of a range of laboratory skills including sterile working, solution preparation, effective sample control and analysis and awareness of health and safety issues. Opportunities were made available for the student to co-author conference and symposia papers and journal articles.