CHAPTER 11 - Arthropod and Helminth Parasites

Abstract

This chapter reviews the principal arthropod and helminth parasites from the domestic laboratory rabbit. Phylum Arthropoda includes more species than any other phylum of animals. Individual species vary widely in structure, physiology, ecology, etc. However, they share the characteristics common to the phylum that are joined legs, serial body segmentation, chitinous exoskeleton, and an open vascular system. The phylum is divided into a number of classes of which two, Arachnida and Insecta, include species that are parasites of rabbits. Arachnida includes king crabs, scorpions, spiders, pentastomids, ticks, mites, and related organisms. All have reduced mouths with no true mandibles, no head, and body segmentation that differ from other arthropods in generally being less distinct. Spiders and perhaps scorpions occasionally bite or sting rabbits, but the orders within Arachnida that most commonly affect rabbits are the Acarina, and to a much lesser extent, Pentastomida. The pentastomids, or tongue worms as they are also called, have been described as degenerate mites. Two families within the order Pentastomida are of veterinary significance. They are the Porocephalidae containing two genera and the Linguatulidae containing the single genus Linguatula. Linguatula serrata is the most common form affecting lagomorphs. The chapter also discusses different nematode parasites. The general characteristics of the members of the family The general characteristics of members of the family Filarioididea include rudimentary mouth opening, no lips, anterior vulva, and an esophagus comprised of a muscular anterior portion and a glandular posterior portion. Males are usually much smaller than females. Spicules are unequal and dissimilar. Adults are found in body cavities, blood or lymph vessels, or connective tissues.