At the WAAVP (World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology) Congress last week, Novartis Animal Health presented what the company describes as promising data on potentially the first new livestock anthelmintic class in 25 years, offering renewed hope for farmers struggling with the devastating economic effects of parasitic worms in livestock.

The new class of parasiticides, known as Amino-Acetonitrile Derivatives (AADs), have a potentially novel mode of action which has shown promising results against all sheep and cattle gastro-intestinal nematodes, including those resistant to existing treatments. While further testing is required, early in vivo research suggests a kill rate of greater than 95 percent in key economically-important nematodes.

The new class has already been recognized by many experts as a potentially significant step forward, with the potential to significantly improve parasite management in livestock.

You can click here for a podcast of the highlights of the presentation which will remain available till 21st September 2007.