Veterinary Parasitology

Veterinary parasitology is the study of animal parasites, especially relationships between parasites and animal hosts. Parasites of domestic animals, (livestock and pet animals), as well as wildlife animals are considered. Veterinary parasitologists study the genesis and development of parasites in animal hosts, as well as the taxonomy and systematics of parasites, including the morphology, life cycles, and living needs of parasites in the environment and in animal hosts. Using a variety of research methods, they diagnose, treat, and prevent animal parasites. Data obtained from parasitological research in animals helps in veterinary practice and improves animal breeding. The major goal of veterinary parasitology is to protect animals and improve their health, but because a number of animal parasites are transmitted to humans, veterinary parasitology is also important for public health. Veterinary parasitology comprises three big areas of study which are helminthology, protozoology and entomology. Helminthology is the study of parasitic worms which includes nematodes, cestodes and trematodes. Protozoology is the study of protozoan parasites. Entomology is the study of arthropods that can be ectoparasites and/or vectors of infection.

This book provides some examples of veterinary parasites in farm animals (Section 1), parasites of cattle (Section 2), parasites of sheep and goats (Section 3), parasites of horses and donkeys (Section 4) and parasites of pigs (Section 5). Section 6 provides examples of dogs and cats parasites and Section 7 of ungulates. The next Sections cover different aspects of parasitology, like entomology (Section 8), Antiparasitics, Antiprotozoals and Ectoparasiticides (Section 9), host resistance to parasitic infections (Section 10), Immunity to parasitic infections (Section 11), Protozoal infections (Section 12) and Vaccines (Section 13). These are only a few examples of the immense world of veterinary parasitology. It is concerned with those aspects of helminthology, protozoology and entomology which are of interest to animal health investigators, veterinary practitioners and others with a special interest in parasitology. Articles of the highest quality dealing with all aspects of disease prevention, pathology, treatment, epidemiology, and control of parasites in all domesticated animals.