Veterinary parasitology is the study of animal parasites, especially relationships between parasites and animal hosts. Parasites of
domestic animals, (livestock and pet animals), as well as wildlife
animals are considered. Veterinary parasitologists study the genesis
and development of parasitoses in animal hosts, as well as the
taxonomy and systematics of parasites, including the morphology,
life cycles, and living needs of parasites in the environment and in
animal hosts. Using a variety of research methods, they diagnose, treat,
and prevent animal parasitoses. Data obtained from parasitological
research in animals helps in veterinary practice and improves animal
breeding. The major goal of veterinary parasitology is to protect
animals and improve their health, but because a number of animal
parasites are transmitted to humans, veterinary parasitology is also
important for public health.
This journal is concerned with those aspects of helminthology,
protozoology and entomology which are of interest to animal health
investigators, veterinary practitioners and others with a special
interest in parasitology. Papers of the highest quality dealing with all
aspects of disease prevention, pathology, treatment, epidemiology, and
control of parasites in all domesticated animals, fall within the scope
of the journal. Papers of geographically limited (local) interest which
are not of interest to an international audience will not be accepted.
Authors who submit papers based on local data will need to indicate why
their paper is relevant to a broader readership.
Parasitological studies on laboratory animals fall within the scope of
the journal only if they provide a reasonably close model of a disease
of domestic animals. Additionally the journal will consider papers
relating to wildlife species where they may act as disease reservoirs to
domestic animals, or as a zoonotic reservoir. Case studies considered
to be unique or of specific interest to the journal, will also be
considered on occasions at the Editors' discretion. Papers dealing
exclusively with the taxonomy of parasites do not fall within the scope
of the journal.
Studies on rickettsial disease organisms
(Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Eperythrozoon) will be considered for publication
in Veterinary Parasitology, but only if the paper deals with vector
transmission of these organisms to domesticated animals, or if zoonotic.
Studies on Rickettsia per se will not be accepted.
Studies
dealing with parasite control by means of natural products, both in vivo
and in vitro, fall within the scope of the journal, but only if well
documented and with therapeutically relevant minimum inhibitory
concentrations of the active compound(s) being clearly demonstrated.