Trichostrongylus axei: Stomach hairworm.

General Description: The adult worm is tiny (0.5cm.) and hair like.

Life Cycle: The direct life cycle of Trichostrongylus is typical of nematodes, as described in the Overview. Larvae develop to infectivity on pasture in 4 to 6 days with optimal humidity and warmth. The prepatent period is 3 weeks.

Location: The adult occurs in the lumen of stomach glands and in the small intestine.

Geographical Distribution: Not common.

Significance: Minor. The stomach hairworm may contribute to mixed infections involving several gastrointestinal worm species.

Effect on Host: Trichostrongylus spp is usually part of a mixed infection, so its results are additive.

Diagnostic Information: The small, "strongyle-type" egg is not identifiable by species. Faecal cultures can be made and third-stage larvae identified.

Control: Dry conditions are unfavourable for larval development. Regular treatments when faecal examination is positive for "strongyle-type" eggs will keep worm burdens down and lower pasture contamination.

Adult flukes		Fasciola – egg		Eggs containing miracidia