Cooperia

Cooperia spp.
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Nematoda
Class	Chromadorea
Order	Rhabditida
Sub-order	Strongylida
Super-family	Trichostrongyloidea
Family	Cooperiidae
Genus	Cooperia
Species	C. punctata, C. oncophora, C. pectinata

Overview

Cooperia spp. are largely considered mild pathogens however there are a few species that are of greater veterinary importance, namely; C. punctata and C. pectinata. These species are pariste of cattle and small ruminants and most species of this genus prefer warmer climates.

Identification

Cooperia worms have a distinctive red colouration and a coiled appearance. The adults are between 5-8mm in length and males can be recognised by the presence of a dipropotionately large bursa at the anterior end.