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.