Parasitoses & vector borne diseases of cats

Domestic cats can be infested by a large spectrum of endo- and ectoparasites. Depending on the parasit species and their abundance, infestations may cause varying clinical signs. The clinical presentation of the diseases associated with parasitic infestation or infection depends on the localization of the parasite (skin, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, renal, disseminated, etc...), on the virulence of the given parasite species in cats, and on specific individual characteristics including immune status, age, etc. In addition, many parasites of cats have a zoonotic potential, either thorugh close contact with parasitized animals or through exposure to a contaminated environment. Studying parasitology and vector-borne diseases requires a multi-disciplinary approach in order to cover epidemiology, entomology, microbiology, biology of parasites, internal medicine, molecular biology, etc... The objective of this book is to provide a general up-to-date overview of the main parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of cats. It is intended for practicing veterinarians and physicians, scientists, medical and veterinary students, as well as for those working in research fields. The book is divided in 5 parts. The first part is deicated to the internal parasitoses; the second to the external parasitoses; part 3 covers the vector-borne diseases of cats; part 4 the mycoses; and 5 summarizes the epidemiologic situation in the different regions of the world and describes the main zoonotic risks.