Development of the free-living stages ofHyostrongylus rubidusandOesophagostomumspp. at different temperatures and humidities

Abstract
Faeces containing a mixture ofHyostrongylus rubidusandOesophagostomumspp. eggs were mixed with vermiculite and water and set up at combinations of different relative humidities (65.5%, 79.5%, 90.0% and 100%) and temperatures (5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C) in order to study the rate of egg hatching and larval development. The study established that the development from egg to infective larva showed similar patterns for the two parasites. Optimum development and survival was in the temperature range from 15°C to 20°C and ata humidities from 79.5 to 95.5%.