| Unit name | Parasitology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | VETS20400 |
| Credit points | 0 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Morgan |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
VETS10100,VETS10200,VETS10300,VETS10400 |
| Co-requisites | |
| School/department | Bristol Veterinary School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Parasitology and Environmental Science is taught in the School of Biological Sciences within the Science Faculty. The primary purpose is to teach detailed aspects of the biology of parasites of veterinary importance, but the course is also seen as having a broader educational function, introducing environmental, conservation and economic issues into a year which is otherwise comprised of highly focussed professional studies. Further (clinical) teaching in parasitology takes place in years 4 and 5.
Aims:
To introduce the major parasites of veterinary importance and demonstrate how a good understanding of their biology is needed for effective prevention, treatment and control of diseases caused by them.
By taking an ecological approach to animal parasitism, equip students with a working understanding of how veterinary advice and intervention can be targeted strategically to achieve sustainable control of parasites at the level of the individual and the population.
To instil an appreciation of how changes in the parasite’s environment (including climate, and modification of host factors) can affect transmission and control.
At the end of the course, students will have a good understanding of the principles referred to above.
They will have outline knowledge of the major parasitic diseases of domestic animals in the UK and Europe, with particular reference to the underlying biology and life cycles of the parasites, their epidemiology and the potential for control. They will be familiar with the likely presentation of the diseases, and how to confirm the presence of the parasites that cause them. They should know how to approach treatment in terms of disrupting parasite transmission or manipulating the host-parasite relationship: this knowledge will outlive the useful life of current treatment protocols, which will be covered in principle but not in detail.
The specific parasites and parasitic diseases discussed in the unit include parasitic gastro-enteritis in sheep and cattle; lungworms; toxocarosis; strongyles in horses; trichinellosis; fasciolosis; the public health importance of tapeworms and their metacestode larvae; ticks, mites, lice, fleas and flies of major veterinary importance, including mange; protozoan diseases including trypanosomosis, coccidiosis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis and babesiosis. Students will have an outline knowledge of the parasites of sheep, goats, cattle, horses, pigs, dogs, cats, poultry, and some exotic pets and farmed fish, and have seen examples of the major parasites of these hosts (mostly as microscope slides) in practical classes. They will have carried out a faecal egg count and will have seen demonstrations of commonly used diagnostic techniques.
Tutorials, seminars and project work (DSE) will give further insight into practical problems in the diagnosis and control of parasitic infection in animals, limitations on the application and effectiveness of veterinary intervention, and the scientific knowledge base underlying current control strategies. Depending on the topics pursued by different groups, there will be the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the biology of non-domestic animals and wildlife conservation, especially in relation to parasites and parasitic disease, and also of the broader interactions between farming and the environment.
Lectures; practical demonstrations; seminars; online material; project work in groups and as individuals.
Written examination (January) All term 1 material 25% Written examination (June) All material 55% DSE component Terms 1 and 2 10% Interdepartmental DSE Term 3 10%
In the event of a re-sit examination in September, the DSE mark of 20% is carried forward and the written paper counts for 80%. At least 45% must be achieved in the combined written examinations to achieve a pass.
Taylor, Coop and Wall (2007). Veterinary Parasitology 3rd Ed. Blackwell Science
