The lifecycle of the lungworm is about 4 weeks long i.e. from the ingestion of larvae to the excretion of infective larvae by the affected animal. In the worst case, within four weeks of ingesting lungworm larvae, the cow or calf can be shedding literally millions of fresh larvae onto the pasture.
What is the life cycle of a lungworm?
The life cycle of a lungworm begins with an ingestion of infective larvae. The larvae then penetrate the intestinal wall, and from here migrate into the lungs through the bloodstream. The infected larvae reside in the lungs until the development into an adult lungworm. The eggs of the adult hatch; producing L1 larvae.
How long does lungworm take to develop?
Depending on the species of lungworm, the larvae can develop into adult worms in as little as 5 weeks after being ingested by a dog. However, in other lungworm species, maturation into adult worms can take up to 21 weeks.
Are lungworms seasonal?
Symptoms are most commonly seen in first- year grazing cattle in late summer and autumn, but can occur earlier in the year and in older animals. The most characteristic clinical sign of lungworm infection is widespread coughing within a herd.
How long does it take to treat lungworm?
It can take 40 days for the larvae to mature. Thankfully, treatment with antiparasitic medication is usually effective. Worried about your dog's health?
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