Parasites Found On The Skin

8.0 PARASITES FOUND ON THE SKIN

Parasites which are found on or in the skin are commonly called "ectoparasites" or “external parasites.” Flies, fly larvae, and lice are called insects, and have six legs in their adult stage. Ticks and mange mites are called arachnids and have eight legs in the adult stage. The ectoparasite that causes ringworm is a tiny plant-like organism called fungi. Most ectoparasites can be seen with the eye. However, some of them, like fungi and some small mange mites, can only be seen with the help of a microscope.

Important parasites found on the skin include ticks, lice, flies, and fleas. Important parasites found in the skin include fungi, mites, maggots, screw worm, and warbles (or grubs).

Many important livestock diseases are spread by ticks. Therefore, the section on ticks is covered first. This section covers principles regarding the use of chemicals to kill ticks. The principles used to control ticks can be applied to the control of other parasites as well.