 |
This article is still under construction. |
| Also known as: | Gapeworm
|
S. bronchialis is a nematode of the superfamily strongyloidea, and are found worldwide. It commonly affects the lungs of many game birds within the UK.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Nematoda |
| Class | Secernentea |
| Order | Strongylida |
| Family | Syngamidae |
| Genus | Syngamus |
| Species | S. trachea |
Hosts
Chickens, turkeys, pigeons and game birds.
Identification
The female is deep red in colour, and the male is white. They are permanently copulating forming a Y shape. The worms have large buccal capsules.
Life Cycle
L1-L3 develops in the egg. Infection may be via ingestion of L3 in the egg, or a hatched L3, or ingestion of a paratenic host, most commonly the earthworm.
The L3 then penetrate the intestine, and enter the lungs. The L3 then undergo 2 further moults, and copulation occurs in the trachea a few days later.
The prepatent period of S. trachea is between 16 and 20 days.