Parasitology

Spotlight

Tick Identification

The Parasitology Section of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center is a full-service parasite diagnostic laboratory capable of diagnosing infections in domestic and wild animals. This service is provided in an accurate, timely and cost efficient manner. Accurate identification of parasites benefits animals, their owners and veterinarians by helping to improve animal health.

Dr. Susan Wade (Director)

Services provided by the Parasitology Section include:

Detection and identification of domestic and wild animal parasites from animal feces, animal tissues, fluids and environmental samples

Tests conducted to identify parasites in feces include:

Qualitative and quantitative centrifugation concentration flotation techniques
Antigen capture ELISA tests for Giardia and Cryptosporidium
Nematode larvae cultures
Direct fecal smears (wet mounts)
Baermann technique for recovery of nematode larvae

Test conducted to identify parasitic infections using serum include:

Occult heartworm test
Toxoplasma modified agglutination technique (MAT)
Feline antibody heartworm test

Other tests conducted include:

Knott’s technique for microfilariae in blood
Parasite identification - whole parasites, on histological slides, in a biopsy
Tritrichomonas foetus InPouch culture test
KOH digestion of skin scrapings to retrieve ectoparasites
Whirling Disease testing of fish
Sand recovery analysis for horses

Samples received for examination include feces, blood, urine, tracheal washes, duodenal aspirates, skin scrapings, entire endo- and ectoparasites, necropsy samples, feed samples , and environmental samples such as soil and composted material.

If it is deemed necessary for confirmation of identification, stains may be used, i.e., Kinyoun modified acid-fast stain, Lugol’s iodine, Giemsa stain, and immunofluorescent stains for Giardia and Cryptosporidium.