Changes

|species            = '''''H. Contortus/ H. placei, H. Longistipes, H. similis'''''

|species            = '''''H. Contortus/ H. placei, H. Longistipes, H. similis'''''

}}

}}

===Introduction===

==Introduction==

''Haemonchus contortus'' is a nematode parasite from the family [[:Category:Trichostrongyloidea|'''Trichostrongyloidea.''']] It is found worldwide, and is an extremely important parasite of sheep and goats, particularly in tropical/ subtropical regions.   

''Haemonchus contortus'' is a nematode parasite from the family [[:Category:Trichostrongyloidea|'''Trichostrongyloidea.''']] It is found worldwide, and is an extremely important parasite of sheep and goats, particularly in tropical/ subtropical regions.   

Predilection site: '''Abomasum

Predilection site: '''Abomasum

===Identification===

==Identification==

The eggs are yellow, and approximately 70–85 μm long by 44 μm wide. The adult female is 18–30 mm and is easily recognized by its distinct “barber pole” coloration. The female has a red and while appearance, the red is due to the fact it is a blood feeder, and the white represents the ovaries coiled around the blood filled intestines.   

The eggs are yellow, and approximately 70–85 μm long by 44 μm wide. The adult female is 18–30 mm and is easily recognized by its distinct “barber pole” coloration. The female has a red and while appearance, the red is due to the fact it is a blood feeder, and the white represents the ovaries coiled around the blood filled intestines.   

The male adult worm is considerably smaller than the female, and is around 10–20 mm. It holds a characteristic copulatory bursa, which is an important diagnostic aid.

The male adult worm is considerably smaller than the female, and is around 10–20 mm. It holds a characteristic copulatory bursa, which is an important diagnostic aid.

===Hosts===

==Hosts==

''H. contortus'' is a direct parasite, therefore, it only occupies definitive hosts, namely; Sheep, cattle, goats, deer, camels, and llama.

''H. contortus'' is a direct parasite, therefore, it only occupies definitive hosts, namely; Sheep, cattle, goats, deer, camels, and llama.

===Life Cycle===

==Life Cycle==

This life cycle is direct, and very much typical of a [[Trichostrongyloidea - Overview|trichostrongyloid]].

This life cycle is direct, and very much typical of a [[Trichostrongyloidea - Overview|trichostrongyloid]].