Ecoparasite Collection

The larger ectoparasites (e.g. lice, fleas, ticks and fly maggots) are best recovered by very careful visual examination of the skin and hair coat. They can be collected with forceps and placed immediately into a small vial. Fleas can be fun to catch if they are still alive! Ticks are best removed by gentle traction perpendicular to the skin surface so that the ticks bring their mouthparts with them. When recovering these larger ectoparasites, try to recover intact specimens; this makes identification much easier.

Another diagnostic technique used occasionally involves using a vacuum cleaner fitted with an in-line filter and vacuuming the entire animal. The filter is then removed and the parasites can be recovered from the filter. It has a greater sensitivity than skin scrapings or direct observation, and can even be used to recover burrowing mites. (Klayman E, et al (1981) Diagnosis of ectoparasitism. Modern Veterinary Practice 62: 767-771.)