Observations on migratory behaviour and development of Baylisascaris tasmaniensis

Abstract
The development of larvae of Baylisascaris tasmaniensis to the adult stage is described, using laboratory mice and the Tasmanian devil as experimental hosts. The first moult occurred in the egg, the second moult occurred in mouse tissues at 1–2 weeks after ingestion of embryonated eggs. Larvae migrated to liver, lungs, brain, eyes and kidneys, but most larvae were found in the mesenteric tissues and wall of the intestine. Larvae grew to a length of 0·5–1·0 mm in mice, although some attained a length of 2 mm or more in infections over a year in duration.