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This article is still under construction. |
| 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. The worms have 16 gut cells and a square ended anterior in the females, cintaining refractile bodies.