PARASITISM describes a relationship between two species, a parasite and its host, in which the parasite benefits while the host is harmed.
Parasitism is one form of symbiosis, which more generally describes any situation involving a close relationship between organisms of different species.
Control of ecto and endo-parasites
Ectoparasites are parasites found outside the body while endo parasites are found inside the body. These parasites cause diseases and death in animals. They also affect humans and therefore should be controlled.
The most common ectoparasites are ticks, fleas and mites. It is important to wash your pets once a week with recommended products that ensure the parasites are effectively killed. Some of the products include: Triatix and Dudukrin. Use of Frontline and Sevin are also effective. Instructions should be followed to avoid overdosing. Kennels and catteries should always be kept clean at all times.
Worms are the most common endoparasites and cause serious infections in cats and dogs. Deworming should be done regularly, at least every three months. Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every three weeks until they are six-months-old, after which deworming is done after every three months.
Drugs such as tri-worm are effective. Although some deworming medications are effective against more than one species of worm, no single medication is effective against them all.
It is also important to give the medication exactly as prescribed and try use a different make of dewormer each time.
Some of the major differences between ectoparasites and endoparasites are as follows:
Ectoparasites:
1. Ectoparasites live on the surface of the host.
2. They can be temporary, intermittent or permanent.
3. They can be hemiparasites or holoparasites.
4. Respiration is aerobic.
5. Specialisation has led to loss of fewer structures, such as wings in fleas, bedbugs and lice.
Endoparasites:
1. Endoparasites live in the body of the host
2. They are generally permanent parasites.
3. They are usually holoparasites.
4. Respiration is often anaerobic.
5. Specialisation has led to the loss of several structures, such as digestive organs in Taenia.
