Parasitic diseases in animals

Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) supports the Dutch government and business life by performing diagnostic tests and scientific research and by giving policy recommendations for prevention and control of parasitic diseases in animals. Some of these diseases are transmissible to humans (zoonoses).

What are parasitic diseases?

Parasites are organisms that exist in or on plants, animals and humans. They live and reproduce at the expense of their host. Parasites can cause disease in animals and in humans.

Is there cause for concern in the Netherlands?

In the (sub) tropics, parasites are more common than in more temperate and cooler regions. But we are alert in the Netherlands too. Some parasitic infections occur naturally in the Netherlands, and may also be imported from abroad. These affect the animals’ health, cause economic damage and causes a threat to human health as well.