Heterakis
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HETERAKIS GALLINAE
- An atypical ascarid.
- Lives in the caeca.
- 1.5cm long, relatively slender and has a pointed tail. (Thus, it does not look like an ascarid, but is otherwise typical of the group).
- Eggs similar to those of Ascaridia.
- Life-cycle is non-migratory.
- Earthworms can act as transport hosts.
- This worm is not very pathogenic – its main importance is as the vector of Histomonas meleagridis, the protozoan parasite that causes 'blackhead'.
- Another species of Heterakis is a serious pathogen of pheasants. This burrows deeply into the caecal mucosa causing nodule formation, leading to weight-loss and death.