Parasites

• How do parasites feed?

  From their host
• What is an example of an endoparasite

  Worms
• What does endparasite mean


  Lives inside the host animal
• What is an example of an ectoparasite


  Fleas
• What does ectoparasites mean


  Lives on the host animal
• What are the symptoms of worms?

  -worms in faeces

  -diarrhoea

  -anaemia

  -dehydration

  -weight loss

  -pot belly
• What is the treatment of worms?

  -de worming medication like tablets or injections
• What are prevention techniques for worms?

  -keep animals free from fleas

  -dispose of faeces properly

  -restrict an animals outdoor movement
• What is the lifecycle of roundworm?

  -eggs laid in intestine

  -larvae develops after 2 weeks

  -egg hatches in animals stomach

  -third stage larvae develops in the liver

  -the larvae goes to the small intestine to become and adult and lay eggs
• What is the lifecycle of a tapeworm?

  -segments of the tapeworm separate and pass out the animal

  -the eggs are ingested by other animals
• What are the symptoms of fleas?

  -skin irritation

  -allergic reactions

  -blood infections

  -flea dirt
• What is the treatment for fleas?

  -sprays

  -powders

  -tablets

  -shampoos

  -treating and cleaning environment
• What are prevention techniques for fleas?

  -tablets

  -collars

  -shampoos

  -sprays

  ...that contain the ingredients toxic to fleas
• What is the lifecycle of fleas?

  -eggs hatch in 2-14 days

  -larvae stage lasts 4-20 days

  -cocoon stage lasts a few days to weeks

  -adult fleas emerge and live for a few months
• What are the symptoms of ticks?

  -itching

  -skin irritation

  -loss of fur

  -dull coat
• What are the treatments for ticks?

  -sprays

  -powder

  -tablets

  -shampoos

  -collars

  -ticks can be removed with specialist equipment if found
• What are the prevention techniques for ticks?

  keeping an animal indoors/restricting time outside
• What is the lifecycle of ticks?

  -eggs hatch after a few weeks

  -larvae need to find a host to feed

  -nymphs need a new host to develop into adults lasts few weeks

  -adults mate and die
• What are the symptoms of mites?

  -itchiness

  -sore, dry skin

  -dark crusts of skin in the ears

  -poor condition, caused by mange
• What is the treatment for mites?

  -chemicals that kill mites called acaricides, available in sprays, dips, shampoos etc
• What is the chemical for mites called?

  Acaricides
• What are prevention techniques for mites?

  -keeping bedding and environment clean

  -separating infected and non infected animals

  -using herbs like garlic gradually in feed and cloves in water

  -allowing animals time outside as mites live in wood

  -housing in non-wooden materials
• What is the lifecycle of mites?

  -eggs

  -larvae hatch with 3 legs

  -nymph

  -adults, with 4 legs

  Very similar to ticks
• What are symptoms of lice?

  -itching

  -bad skin condition

  -loss of hair or fur
• What is the treatment for lice?

  -shampoos

  -powders

  -sprays

  ...for the animal and the environment
• What are prevention techniques for lice?

  -ensuring animals are closely checked before coming into contact with clean animals, tool and environments
• What is the lifecycle of lice?

  -eggs are laid in fur or hair

  -nymphs hatch from the eggs, try mount 3 times before becoming adults

  -adults live for another 2-3 weeks