Endoparasites are parasites which live inside a host and generally inhabit areas such as the gut, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Endoparasites are important because:

  • They can cause severe disease to the host
  • Many are highly resistant to environmental degradation and can cause widespread contamination of the environment if not controlled
  • They may be zoonotic or transmit zoonotic infections
  • They may interfere with the human – animal bond
  • Their management is part of maintaining healthy pets

 

Endoparasites belong to one of two types:

Helminths


Helminths (Worms)

Protozoa


Protozoa



Further information about each of these types of parasites can be found by clicking the links above.

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