Course description

The subject which consists of theoretical and practical courses is intended to familiarize the students with the essential facts and concepts of veterinary parasitology enabling them to control and prevent economical losses, parasitozoonoses, and to improve animal welfare. The lectures discuss principal endo- and ectoparasites of domestic animals, which are of national or international importance to veterinary medical practice. Emphasis is placed on basic knowledge of parasite biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, chemotherapy and control of parasitic infections. The purpose of the practical courses is to highlight and expand on important parasites presented in lectures, especially identification and diagnostics. At the practicals which follow the lectures the students become familiar with the methods of diagnosis including the interpretation of results. They observe stages of parasites in blood, faecal samples and preparation of a range of specimens. Teaching of veterinary parasitology is based on the knowledge of a number of subjects, therefore final exams from zoology, biology, chemistry, anatomy and histology, physiology and biochemistry are needed for admission of students for this subject. Parasitological knowledge of the students contributes to their further studies such as pathology, internal medicine and food hygiene.