Use of plant-based remedies against parasites in animals - Projects - Norsøk (en)

Use of plant-based remedies against parasites in animals

The project aims to explore plant-based alternatives with potential to replace antiparasitic drugs in organic livestock farming.

Plantebaserte midler mot parasitter heading (Photo: Berit Blomstrand)
Plantebaserte midler mot parasitter heading (Photo: Berit Blomstrand)

Resistance to antiparasitic drugs

Today, resistance to antiparasitic drugs is a growing problem, and the need to find strategies to reduce the use of such drugs is urgent. The project aims to collect and systematize existing literature on alternative treatment and assess the potential for using plants against parasites in Norwegian livestock farming.

Are there plants in Norway that can have an effect against parasites?
Through the project, Norwegian pasture plants and other plants naturally occurring in Norwegian flora will be reviewed to identify possible candidates with effects against parasites and other types of diseases in livestock. The product of the project will be a NORSØK report that will provide valuable insights and knowledge to both organic livestock producers and other stakeholders in agriculture.

Extracts from pine and spruce bark have been shown to be effective against parasites common in sheep. (Photo: Berit Blomstrand)
Extracts from pine and spruce bark have been shown to be effective against parasites common in sheep. (Photo: Berit Blomstrand)

How can Norwegian pasture plants contribute to combating antiparasitic resistance?

This insight can help shed light on Norwegian pasture plants with potential antiparasitic effects, diversify treatment methods, and reduce the reliance on antiparasitic drugs. This, in turn, can contribute to strengthening the sustainability of organic livestock farming.

Alternative midler til bruk mot parasitter: bark fra furu og gran kan være et effektivt middel mot parasitter hos husdyr. (Photo: Berit Blomstrand)
Alternative midler til bruk mot parasitter: bark fra furu og gran kan være et effektivt middel mot parasitter hos husdyr. (Photo: Berit Blomstrand)

Project details

Project coordinator:Berit Blomstrand
Project staff NORSØK:Susanne Friis Pedersen
Funding: Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Project period: