Development of the stomach worm, Obeliscoides cuniculi (Graybill), in lagomorphs, woodchucks and small rodents

The parasitic development of Obeliscoides cuniculi multistriatus Measures and Anderson, 1983 was studied in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Third-stage larvae exsheathed within 24 hr. The third molt occurred 3 days and the fourth 8-11 days post-infection. All worms were fifth 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 fifth 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. c. multistriatus were established experimentally in infected woodchucks (Marmota monax), snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Patent infections of O. c. cuniculi were established experimentally in snowshoe hares. Patent infections of O. c. multistriatus did not appear in experimentally infected HPB white (Swiss Webster) mice (Mus musculus). Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), H.O.R.F1 Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), H.O.R.F1 smooth-haired guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and H.O.R.F1 gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).