OESOPHAGOSTOMUM SPECIES
- a typical strongyloid
- found in the caecum and colon
- approximately 1.5cm long
- two major species but these are very similar
- a periparturient egg-rise occurs, but this is not as constant as that seen in sheep
- not very pathogenic, but large numbers depress milk production in sows and growth-rate in young pigs.
NOTE: H. rubidis and Oesophagostomum species both produce typical strongyle eggs in faeces. H. rubidis is more pathogenic but produces few eggs, whereas Oesophagostomum species are prolific egg-layers but not very pathogenic. Care is therefore needed in interpreting egg-count data. Larval culture is needed to confirm presence of H. rubidis.