Diagnostic Methods for Detecting Internal Parasites of Livestock

Abstract

Internal parasites are a major concern in livestock production because they can impact the health and well-being of animals clinically and subclinically, and ultimately cause significant production loss. Among these internal parasites are nematodes, tapeworms, flukes, and coccidian protozoans. This review focuses on the diagnostic tests that are routinely performed by veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories, but also highlights recently developed tools that may improve diagnostic capabilities, including molecular and immunodiagnostic tests. Overall, diagnostic tests for parasites of livestock are an integral part of health management practices, and for assessing individual animal and herd health.

Keywords: Coccidia; Diagnostic parasitology; Fecal egg count; Flukes; Immunodiagnostics; Molecular diagnostics; Nematodes; Tapeworms.