Why is this research important to Alberta?
- Parasite infections and growing drug resistance threaten the productivity, profitability and welfare of Alberta’s cattle and sheep.
- The annual cost to Canada is now estimated at $2 billion, largely through poorer growth, feed efficiency and animal health.
- Yet no new anti-parasitic drug class has been approved for Canadian livestock in over 25 years.
- The project team will use existing parasite genomic data, artificial intelligence and computational screening to identify new treatments and move the most promising compounds directly into experimental testing.
- This supports Alberta’s priorities in animal health, agricultural productivity and practical, producer-focused innovation.
What is the goal of this work? How will genomics be used?
- The goal is to accelerate the discovery of new treatments for drug-resistant parasites of cattle and sheep.
- The team will build a reusable computational pipeline that converts parasite genomic data into a ranked list of compounds ready for experimental testing.
- Genomics allows the team to identify proteins that the parasites need to survive and to compare them across the major species affecting Canadian livestock.
- Using artificial intelligence, they will predict the three-dimensional structures of these proteins, and computational screening will identify compounds most likely to inhibit the parasite without affecting the animal.
- The strongest candidates will move directly into laboratory and animal testing.
- The University of Calgary team brings together expertise in genomics, parasitology, medicinal chemistry and veterinary pharmacology, with Alberta Beef Producers and animal health companies supporting translation towards livestock trials and commercial development.
What are the expected benefits, and how will the research findings be shared?
- Within two years, the project will deliver:
- structural information for approximately 12 parasite targets,
- up to 50 candidate compounds, and
- a reusable pipeline that moves from early proof of concept (TRL 3) to a validated computational pipeline (TRL 4)
- Promising compounds will enter an existing, industry-supported testing programme. In the longer term, new treatments could reduce producer losses, improve animal health and welfare, and support more efficient livestock production.
- Findings will be shared through scientific publications, open repositories for code, protocols and data, and updates to producers and veterinarians through Alberta Beef Producers, industry events and podcasts.
Related Resources
Findings or more information can be accessed through: