Identify parasites that commonly affect animals.

Identification should include

• endoparasites (e.g., heartworm; ascarids, or roundworms; hookworms; whipworms; tapeworms; giardia) during different developmental stages
• ectoparasites (e.g., fleas, mites, ticks) during different developmental stages
• parasites with zoonotic potential.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What distinguishing characteristics are used to identify parasites?
• Why is it difficult to determine if an animal has an internal parasite?
• What techniques are commonly used to check for fleas?
• Why should a dog that tests positive for heartworms not continue taking a heartworm preventive?