What we do

Services include detection and identification of domestic and wild animal parasites from animal feces, animal tissues, fluids and environmental samples.

Tests conducted to identify parasites in feces include:

• Qualitative and quantitative centrifugation concentration flotation techniques
• Antigen capture ELISA tests for Giardia and Cryptosporidium
• Nematode larvae cultures
• Direct fecal smears (wet mounts)
• Baermann technique for recovery of nematode larvae
• Molecular nemabiome analysis

Test conducted to identify parasitic infections using serum include:

• Occult heartworm test
• Toxoplasma IgG ELISA

Other tests conducted include:

• Knott’s technique for microfilariae in blood
• Parasite identification - whole parasites, on histological slides, in a biopsy
• Tritrichomonas foetus InPouch culture test
• KOH digestion of skin scrapings to retrieve ectoparasites
• Whirling Disease testing of fish
• Sand recovery analysis for horses
• PCR tests to confirm parasite identification

Samples received for examination include feces, blood, urine, tracheal washes, duodenal aspirates, skin scrapings, entire endo- and ectoparasites, necropsy samples, feed samples, and environmental samples such as soil and composted material.