Veterinary Parasitology

What this page covers

This unit page collects study material on parasites of animals. Some resources work through groups of worms. The quiz Trematodes and Cestodes covers liver fluke and rumen fluke, and the quiz Oxyuris equi asks about pinworm life cycle and clinical signs. The quiz Microsporidia covers diagnosis and treatment. Others focus on fleas, mites and ticks, or on parasites of cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and poultry.

Where to start

Begin with identification. The Parasite ID flashcard deck pairs parasites with the animals they affect, such as the cat flea and Demodex mite. Then try the quiz Parasites - Veterinary Nursing, which asks you to name what you see. Once names feel familiar, move to groups of worms and protozoa.

1. Identify the parasite with flashcards.
2. Learn its life cycle, host and clinical signs.
3. Test yourself with a quiz on the same group.
4. Check the diagnosis and treatment.

Using quizzes and maps together

The mind maps called Ectoparasites split parasites into surface living and burrowing types, and list signs such as pruritus and anaemia. Read a map first to see the whole picture. Then take a quiz on the same topic and note what you missed. For case-style practice, open Practice questions- Parasitology 2nd semester: RUSVM, which begins with a herd of cattle losing condition.

Going deeper

Notes cover topics such as anthelmintic resistance and the epidemiology of parasitic gastroenteritis. Flashcard decks on the control of parasites in cattle and the control of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis suit later stages of learning. Teachers can pick whole sets for a class.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the strand Pathology, Microbiology and Disease Control in Veterinary medicine. Pick one parasite group, try a quiz, and then make your own maps or flashcards to fill the gaps.