Parasiiditõrje

Parasiiditõrje refers to the practice of controlling, managing, and eradicating parasitic organisms that can affect humans, animals, or plants. The term is most commonly used in European contexts, especially in Estonia, where it encompasses a range of activities from veterinary parasite control to public health measures aimed at reducing the prevalence of helminths, protozoa, ectoparasites, and vector-borne pathogens. Parasite control is crucial for maintaining animal health and productivity, protecting food safety, and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.

In veterinary medicine, parasiiditõrje includes routine deworming regimens, strategic treatment based on fecal diagnostics, and integrated farm management practices such as pasture rotation, improved hygiene, and selective breeding for parasite resistance. For human health, it often involves mass drug administration in endemic regions, vector control through the use of insecticides and repellents, and public education campaigns about hygiene and safe food handling.

Regulatory frameworks across the European Union require veterinary products used for parasite control to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before approval. Local authorities also set guidelines for the use of antiparasitic agents in livestock to prevent the development of drug resistance. In plant agriculture, pesticide regulation similarly mandates that approved products contain accurate labeling, effective concentrations, and environmentally responsible usage instructions. Effective parasiiditõrje thus relies on coordinated efforts between scientists, practitioners, regulatory bodies, and the public to ensure sustainable and safe parasite management.