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Teaching veterinary parasitology
1Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
Veterinary Parasitology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Teaching veterinary parasitology in South Africa is crucial for controlling significant parasite-related economic losses. Curricula require regular updates to address diverse parasite faunas and regional needs, especially concerning ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- South African Higher Education
Background:
- The history and current state of veterinary parasitology education in South Africa are reviewed.
- Courses are offered at the University of Pretoria, Medical University of South Africa, and Pretoria Technicon.
- Veterinary parasitology education is labor-intensive and costly, with an annual cost of R1700 (US$570) per student.
Observation:
- The University of Pretoria's curriculum covers parasitology, entomology, helminthology, and protozoology with 330 lectures and 13-40% practical classes.
- Significant annual expenditure in South Africa (R148.8 million / US$49.6 million) on parasiticides and vaccines highlights the economic impact of parasites.
- Existing textbooks often lack sufficient detail on African-specific parasites, particularly ticks and tick-borne diseases, necessitating reliance on supplementary notes.
Findings:
- Veterinary parasitology curricula must be dynamic and regularly revised to incorporate new scientific information.
- The diversity of parasite faunas globally means no single textbook adequately meets all institutional needs.
- Current curricula adequately address parasite control in extensive and intensive systems, with a growing focus on small-scale farming.
Implications:
- Regular curriculum updates are essential to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of veterinary parasitology education.
- Educational materials need to be adapted to address regional parasite challenges, such as tick-borne diseases in Africa.
- Future veterinary training should increasingly incorporate parasite control strategies for small-scale and alternative farming systems to support food security.