Cryptic Critters: Using Genomics to Reveal Rare Veterinary Parasites

Rare and cryptic parasites can create some of the most challenging cases in veterinary medicine, especially when clinical signs are nonspecific, infections are difficult to confirm, or traditional testing does not provide a clear answer. In this webinar, Dr. Mark Yacoub, PhD, explores how genomics, metagenomics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) can help reveal parasite findings that may be overlooked by conventional diagnostic approaches. Using veterinary-focused examples, this session highlights how broader molecular testing can support the investigation of rare, complex, and difficult-to-detect parasites across companion animal, exotic, wildlife, and conservation medicine cases. What you’ll learn: ✅ How NGS can support broader parasite detection beyond targeted testing ✅ Why rare and cryptic parasites may be difficult to identify using conventional methods ✅ How genomic insight can add context to complex or unresolved veterinary cases ✅ Applications of metagenomics in companion animal, exotic, wildlife, and conservation medicine This session is designed for veterinarians, researchers, and animal health professionals looking to better understand how genomic tools can expand parasite detection and support more informed clinical and research decision-making.