| Heterakis | A genus of important nematode parasites (family Heterakidae, order Ascaridida). Heterakis gallinarum is the caecal worm of chickens, turkeys, and many gallinaceous birds, and is the vector of Histomonas meleagridis, a protozoan that causes histomoniasis. Other species include Heterakis brevispiculum, Heterakis dispar, Heterakis isolonche, and Heterakis spumosa, the latter an abundant caecal parasite of rats and other rodents. (05 Mar 2000) |
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