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?