02/02/99
The Biosystematics and National Parasite Collection Unit develops new information and concepts for parasite biodiversity and systematics, encompassing classification, geographic distribution, host association, identification and diagnosis of helminths and protozoans based on analyses of morphological and molecular variation. Strategic research for internal parasites in ruminants, other food animals, wild reservoir hosts, and equines supports programs for animal health, food safety and protection of the environment. Emerging pathogens, host-parasite systems at the interface of agricultural and natural ecosystems and those responding to global change create the focus for studies among parasite groups of veterinary and medical importance, emphasizing domestic and exotic hosts, new farm animals, and aquaculture. A primary repository for parasite biodiversity nationally and globally, the U.S. National Parasite Collection, acquires specimens and curates critical collections. Primary information systems, databases and historical baselines from the USNPC provide a framework to recognize and predict impacts of parasites and pathogens posing threats to the health of animals, humans and the environment.
A VISION FOR THE BNPCU: Systematics, predictive classifications and interactive information systems for parasites identify new and emerging threats to animal health, food safety and protection of the environment.
Cladogram of Subfamilies of the Trichostrongylidae (Hoberg & Lichtenfels, 1994, J. Parasitol. 80: 976-996)
