WAAVP/Pfizer Award for Excellence in Veterinary Parasitology Research - Myinvolvement in, and some thoughts for livestock parasitological research in Australia

Being presented with the WAAVP Pfizer award for excellence in parasitologic al research is the pinnacle of my career. In accepting I acknowledge the su pport that I have received from workmates, colleagues, friends and family o ver the years that I have been involved in this field of endeavour. Parasit ic disease is the most significant threat to the Australian sheep industry. A lack of understanding of drug action, the absence of epidemiologically-b ased treatment programs and incorrect or excessive chemical use has resulte d in the development of worm, lice and blowfly parasites which are resistan t to most existing chemotherapeutic compounds. During the past decade, diff iculties in sustainable control of parasitic disease, the decline in demand for wool products and competition from less expensive synthetic fibre has halved the sheep population and profitability of the industry. Notwithstand ing this, a 'right-sized', sustainable industry is emerging which will requ ire effective chemotherapy to be the cornerstone of parasite control. Chemi cal intervention in parasitic disease is therefore here to stay but the pau city of new antiparasitic products in the short term dictates that present therapeutics are all that producers will have for the foreseeable future. T his situation will necessitate innovative practices and formulations to pro vide more cost effective, efficient drug performance and to extend parasiti cide life. However, the development of multiple drug resistance and reducti on in funds for parasitological research seriously compromises our ability to confront these demands. With the patent life of all but the most recent macrocyclic lactone (ML) co mpounds lapsing, low cost development of bioequivalent generic formulations and options for innovative strategies to increase performance and market s hare are eagerly sought. The key to efficient drug use lies in a detailed u nderstanding of the pharmacokinetic principles of drug action and the host animal's physiological responses to identify procedures which maximise drug availability - in essence giving the drug the best chance to work.