Heterakis

Heterakis spp.
Class	Nematoda
Super-family	Ascaridoidea

Heterakis gallinarum

Also known as: Heterakis papillosa — Heterakis gallinae — Heterakis vesicularis

Hosts

Chickens, turkeys, pigeons, pheasants and many other wild birds.

Identification

H. gallinarum are white worms, which may grow up to 1.5cm in length. Both the males and females have thin elongated tails.

Life Cycle

The eggs are present on the ground, and are taken up by earthworms acting as transport hosts. The eggs hatch and develop into L3. The definitive host e.g. chickens, then ingests the earthworms and become infected. The prepatent period is 4 months.

Heterakis isolonche

Also known as: Caecal worm

Hosts

Pheasant, grouse, chickens, and ducks.

Identification

H. isolonche are white worms around 1.5cm in length. The eggs are ovoid and similar in appearance to Ascaridia.

Life Cycle

As for H. gallinarum.

Heterakis dispar

Hosts

Ducks, geese, and chickens.

Identification

Similar in appearance to H. gallinarum except larger.

Life Cycle

Similar to that of H. gallinarum, except the prepatent period is around 12 months.

Heterakis Learning Resources
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