ECTOPARASITES AND CLASSIFICATION

The authors present an introductory overview of the principal groups o f ectoparasites (flukes, leeches, crustaceans, insects, arachnids, lam preys and vampire bats) associated with domestic animals. Currently-ac cepted higher-level classifications are outlined for these parasites A lmost all significant ectoparasites of domestic animals are invertebra tes, the majority being arthropods (crustaceans, insects and arachnids ). Some of these ectoparasites are of particular importance as vectors of pathogens. Many ectoparasite species are host-specific, and vector species typically transmit characteristic pathogens.