CHAPTER X 



THE EXAMINATION OF 

 SMALL MAMMALS FOR ANIMAL PARASITES 



TECHNICAL SUGGESTIONS 



Few students nowadays have any experience in the dissection of 

 mammals in their course in general zoology. Even those who do 

 dissect a type form, such as the cat, rabbit, or rat, have little idea 

 as to its parasitic fauna. Not only for these reasons but also because 

 it adds zest and value to the work, it is desirable that the members 

 of the class get supervised experience in the examination of animals for 

 parasites. This work may well follow the detailed study of the 

 various helminths. 



While the cat has been selected as probably the most, suitable form 

 for this work, the directions are of general applicability. If oppor- 

 tunity affords, various small mammals, such as the dog, rat, and 

 rabbit, may be used at this time. They should be killed before the 

 laboratory period. 



Stretching boards, thumb tacks, sponges, and one or more bone 

 forceps should be at hand. If the students do not have their own 

 dissecting sets, there should be provided at least a sharp scalpel, 

 scissors, dissecting needles, and forceps for each group. 



Facilities for the preservation of material should be provided and 

 the details of the work assigned to the two or four students who will be 

 working on each specimen. Emphasis should be placed on the 

 importance of proper labeling and of keeping accurate data as to the 

 source and number of the parasites and possible evidence of patho- 

 logical conditions. 



THE INCIDENCE OF PARASITIC INFECTIONS 



The current opinion, even among zoologists, as to the rarity 

 of many parasitic forms is largely due to lack of a systematic 

 examination of animal hosts. Particularly has this been true 

 in this country, although there is a growing realization of the 

 value of such studies from the viewpoint of both pure and applied 

 science. Even now there are few sections of this country for 

 which we have accurate data as to the incidence and variety 

 of parasitism of even such ubiquitous animals as the dog and cat, 

 this in spite of the fact that both of these animals play roles in 



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