What are ectoparasites?

Ectoparasites are defined as organisms that infest the external surfaces of a host animal. This includes insects such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which attach themselves to the skin or fur of their host to feed on blood or tissue. Ectoparasites can cause various health issues in affected animals, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the transmission of diseases. Their location on the body allows them to be easily observable and often requires different control measures compared to internal parasites, which reside inside the host.