Dictyocaulus

Dictyocaulus

a genus of lungworms in the family Dictyocaulidae. Includes D. arnfieldi (see below) and D. cameli (camels), D. eckerti (deer), D. filaria (see below), D. viviparus (see below).

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Dictyocaulus arnfieldi

primarily a lungworm of donkeys but has little clinical effect in them. The infestation in horses is also clinically innocuous and the worms do not usually mature in this species.

Dictyocaulus filaria

lungworms that cause a chronic disease in small ruminants. Clinical signs are limited to persistent cough, moderate dyspnea and loss of condition. Young sheep and goats may be severely affected, occasionally fatally.

Dictyocaulus viviparus

the common lungworm of cattle causes several serious diseases including verminous pneumonia, acute interstitial pneumonia and secondary bacterial pneumonia. The infestation is widespread and affects mainly young cattle. Massive larval intakes can cause a high mortality due to a peracute syndrome of interstitial pneumonia. More moderate infestations cause a syndrome of paroxysmal coughing, moderate dyspnea and loss of condition. A few calves may die as a result of a secondary bacterial pneumonia. Warm moist autumnal conditions are most conducive to serious outbreaks.