Cooperia curticei, Cooperia punctata, Cooperia pectinata, Cooperia oncophora: Cooperids.

General Description: Brownish-red nematodes, 4 to 6mm in length with a swelled anterior end.

Life Cycle: Direct nematode life cycle. Infection occurs by ingestion of infective larvae. Prepatent period is 15 to 20 days.

Location: Small intestine.

Geographical Distribution: Worldwide.

Significance: The true importance of this parasite in sheep has not been reported. Its effects are additive to those of infections with other worms.

Effect on Host: Not well understood. Diarrhoea, weight loss, and decreased wool growth may occur in young sheep. Adults penetrate into the lining of the small intestine and suck blood. Loss of appetite, diarrhoea, weight loss, and decreased wool growth may be signs of a heavy infection.

Diagnostic Information: Strongyle-type eggs appear in faeces.

Control: Pasture management and chemical treatment of infected sheep with a suitable anthelmintic.

Cooperia curticei – female		Cooperia oncophora – male posterior end		Cooperia punctata – eggs in reproductive tract of female