Title: Demonstrate standard diagnostic procedures for determining the presence of parasites.
Course: Veterinary Science II (18105-II) > Section: Understanding Parasitology

Demonstration may include

- recognizing signs and symptoms exhibited by an animal with each common parasitic infestation
- describing acute and chronic effects of parasitism
- performing a gross exam, direct smear, and skin scraping
- performing a fecal float in sugar solution and in salt solution, including identifying the difference between a fecal float on small animals and a fecal egg count on horses and other large animals (FAMACHA score)
- obtaining and storing parasite samples for testing
- using a microscope to identify parasites in feces, blood, skin, or hair using proper magnification and scanning patterns.

Teacher Resource: Veterinary Science Handbook, Virginia FFA

Process/Skill Questions:

- How is a viable sample collected?
- How is each diagnostic test performed?
- How are parasitic infestations detected in asymptomatic animals?
- What are the long-term effects of parasitic infestation in animals?