The Parasitology Laboratory of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center is a full-service parasite diagnostic laboratory capable of diagnosing infections in domestic and wild animals. This service is provided in an accurate, timely and cost efficient manner. Accurate identification of parasites benefits animals, their owners and veterinarians by helping to improve animal health.

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Services

Services provided by the Parasitology Section 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

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

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.

People

Research

Research and development is part of the mission of the AHDC at Cornell. The Parasitology Section is available to collaborate with you to develop new or improve existing test methods and reagents, investigate specific problems or provide customized testing to meet your needs.

For further information or to discuss your needs, please contact Dr. Mani Lejeune. We look forward to working with you.