Lungworms of feral swine in Florida

Metastrongylus apri, M salmi, and M pudendotectus were found in 94%, 76%, and 64%, respectively, of 90 feral swine from a study area in southern Florida. The mean number of worms per infected animal was 155, with a range of 1-1,980 (1 or more species). Metastrongylus apri was found singly or in combination with 1 or both of the other species. Single or concurrent infections of M salmi and M pudendotectus were not found. Male hogs had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher intensities of M apri infection. Juvenile animals were infected with M apri only, but subadults and adults were infected with all 3 species. Hogs examined during October, November, and December had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher intensities of infection of all 3 species, compared with hogs examined at other times of the year. There were significant (P less than 0.05) interactions between host sex, host age, and season for intensities of infection with M pudendotectus.