The department of Parasitology was a constituent of the erstwhile Department of Veterinary Pathology and Hygiene within the College of Veterinary Sciences, since inception. It was in 1976 that the Department of Parasitology came into independent existence. Since then, the department engaged in teaching, research and extension activities. These departmental activities are supported by professionally competent academic staff comprising of 1 Professor and 2 Assistant Professors.

The department is actively engaged in imparting knowledge about various parasitic diseases of domestic animals including their diagnosis, treatment and control. The faculty of the department has published 4 books, 3 manuals, in addition to more than 250 research articles. The faculty participates and presents research papers in conferences, seminars and symposia at both national and international levels. The department maintains constant linkages with different departments of the university as well as with state veterinary hospitals, leading research institutes and other veterinary colleges of India.

Infrastructure- Available Office/Laboratories/Clinical Complex/Outpatient Department:

Research Highlights/Achievements:

1. Fasciolosis: Two major fractions of proteins, one comprising of low molecular weight proteins (10.0, 14.0, 19.0 kDa ) and the other containing medium molecular weight proteins (28.0, 35.0 kDa) Have been used for standardization of Dot-ELISA immunodiagnosis of fasciolosis in ruminants. Cross-reactivity between Fasciola gigantica and Paramphistomum epiclitum has also been established.
2. Toxocarosis: Immunoreactive fractions of embryonated egg antigen of T. vitulorum were identified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The antigen was further used for standardization of IHA, CIEP and Dot-ELISA to detect dormant larvae in pregnant cows and buffaloes.
3. Visceral larva migrans: Diagnosis of visceral larva migrans in monkeys caused by T. vitulorum larvae was accomplished by detecting antibodies in sera of experimentally infected monkey by DID and CIEP.
4. Metacestode infections: Different immunodiagnostic tests viz. Oucterlony bidimensional immunodiffusion test, CIEP, IHA, Bentonite flocculation test, Fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and ELISA have been standardized using whole cyst, cyst fluid and scolex antigens of Cysticercus cellulose. FAT using whole cyst and cyst fluid antigens gave excellent results.
5. Trypanosomosis:Passive haemagglutination test was standardized and found to be specific for trypanosomosis in buffaloes.
6. Sarcocystosis: CIEP was found to be more sensitive than DID and IEP for diagnosis of S. capracanis when soluble antigen prepared from mature micro-sarcocysts was used. Similarly, CIEP was found most satisfactory for the purpose of diagnosis of S. cruzi and S. hirsuta than SRID, DID, IEP, RIEP and precipitin tests. However, ELISA using partially purified sarcocyst antigen was found to be the most sensitive and specific test for immunodiagnosis of infection in animals.