Biosystematics research at the U.S. National Parasite Collection 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 USNPU: 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)
