CLIMATE CHANGE AND VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY: EMERGING RISKS TO LIVESTOCK HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Parasitic diseases affect livestock health, productivity, animal welfare, and farm profitability. Climate conditions can influence the development, survival, and distribution of many parasites and the vectors or intermediate hosts involved in their transmission. Changes in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and seasonal patterns may therefore alter disease risks in some regions. However, these effects vary according to parasite species, host animals, local ecology, management practices, and access to veterinary services. This paper examines the relationship between climate change and veterinary parasitology, with particular attention to livestock gastrointestinal parasites, ticks, and vector-borne diseases. A narrative literature review approach is used to synthesize established knowledge on parasite ecology, livestock management, surveillance, and disease prevention. The paper discusses the importance of veterinary diagnosis, strategic parasite control, pasture management, biosecurity, and responsible use of antiparasitic medicines. It also considers the challenges of drug resistance, limited diagnostic capacity, and unequal access to veterinary care. The review concludes that climate-informed surveillance and integrated parasite management can support livestock health, provided that interventions are based on local evidence and professional veterinary guidance.