DEVELOPMENT OF THE STOMACH WORM, OBELISCOIDES CUNICULI (GRAYBILL), IN LAGOMORPHS, WOODCHUCKS AND SMALL RODENTS

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Abstract
The parasitic development of O. cuniculi multistriatus Measures et Anderson, 1983 was studied in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Third-stage larvae exsheathed within 24 h. The 3rd molt occurred 3 days and the fourth 8-11 days post-infection. All worms were 5th stage 14 days post-infection. Males were mature at 16 days and copulation occurred in 15-16 days. Females were gravid at 18 days. The prepatent period was 16-22 days. The patent period was 61-118 days and males lived longer than females. All stages were found in the mucosa except the 5th which was found lying on the mucosal surface within a layer of mucus. Petechiae were the only lesions seen in experimentally infected rabbits. Patent infections of O. cuniculi multistriatus were established experimentally in infected woodchucks (Marmota monax) snowshoe hares (L. americanus) and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Patent infections of O. c. cuniculi were established experimentally in snowshoe hares. Patent infections of O. multistriatus did not appear in experimentally infected HPB white (Swiss Webster) mice (Mus musculus), Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), HOR F1 Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), HOR F1 smooth-haired guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and HOR F1 gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).