w. S. Bartush

Staining Techniques to Facilitate Counts of Abomasal Parasites

The Abomasal Parasite Count (APC) provides an effective yet timeconsuming technique for assessing parasite burdens in southeast white-tailed deer (OdocoUeus virginianus) herds. Staining techniques utilizing Rose Bengal to facilitate parasite identification are described. Total water hardness of 74 mg/l or greater is essential to the proper application of these staining techniques. A concentration of 1% Rose Bengal stain yields a considerable savings of laboratory time. Expense of the technique is minimal at a cost of 4 cents per sample. Guidelines for the most effective use of this...