PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MONOSPECIFIC ADULT WORM INFECTIONS OF STRONGYLUS-VULGARIS AND STRONGLYUS-EDENTATUS IN PONIES

Since 1978, 20 surgical implantations of either Strongylus vulgaris or Strongylus edentatus have been performed in our laboratory for the purpose of obtaining single species cultures of these parasites. Following surgical implantation peak EPG values of 13-327 (S. vulgaris) and 363-1284 (S. edentatus) generally occurred during the first 3 weeks post-implantation. Duration of infections was as long as 5 years. Successful outcome of such surgeries appears to be related to the total number of parasites used (greater-than-or-equal-to 38) and the ratio of female to male worms implanted (1:1 or 2:1).