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.