Animal parasitology & immunogenetics lab
We are the Animal Parasitology & Immunogenetics Lab (API) and are based at the AgriBio Centre for AgriBioscience at La Trobe University, Bundoora.
Our group is led by Professor Mike Stear, who has over 40 years of experience in parasite research. The major aim of the group is to understand host-parasite interactions in animals, and to use this understanding to improve methods of parasite control.
Of particular interest to our group are roundworms, the most-costly animal health condition in Australian livestock. In Victoria, the major parasite effecting sheep flocks is the brown stomach worm. This parasite is rapidly developing drench resistance, therefore better methods of control need to be developed.
Research areas
- Breeding sheep and cattle for resistance to disease
- Immunity to parasitic infections
- The role of eosinophils in host resistance to parasites
- The role of the MHC in resistance to roundworm infections
Meet the group
Publications
The group has published over 200 papers in peer-reviewed international journals.
For a list of publications see:
Google Scholar [external link] or view Professor Stear’s Scholar Profile
Services
Fecal egg counting
Nematode Resistance ELISA
Our group can perform testing for nematode resistance and faecal egg counting. Please contact us if you are interested in using these services.
Contact Us
If you would like to get in touch with our research group, please contact Professor Stear directly:
Email: M.Stear@latrobe.edu.au
Phone: (03) 9032 7448