The barber pole worm is the world’s greatest threat to profitable sheep and goat production, but the overuse of anti-parasitic remedies has led to drug resistance. Researchers at Fort Valley State University, Georgia, created the Targeted Selective Treatment (TST), which reduces the use of synthetic drugs by up to 90 percent. TST saves farmers $150-$200 per 100 animals per year and identifies parasite-resistant breeding stock.

NIFA originally published this impact in the NIFA 2017 Annual Report. Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.

Read more about Goats and Sheet vs. Barber Pole Worms.