| Popis: |
Information on the development and life cycles of tapeworms has accumulated more slowly than that relating to morphology. Few tapeworm life cycles are completely known. In Davainea proglottina, frequently considered to be a pathogen of poultry, the life history involves a slug as the intermediate host. The role of these molluscs was demonstrated by Grassi and Rovelli (1888), Chandler (1923), and Wetzel (1932). These authors showed that the following may serve as intermediate hosts: Agriolimax agrestis, Limax cinereus, L. flavus, Arion empericorum (= A. ater?) A. hortensis, A. circumscriptus, and A. intermedius. The present author has confirmed these observations and has also been able to infect the slugs, Agriolimax reticulatus, A. caruanne, Milax gracilis, and M. sowerbyi. Since the interruption of life cycles has frequently proven to be effective and relatively inexpensive in controlling parasitic infections, the life cycle of Davainea has been studied with the aim of eventually developing methods of controlling this infection of poultry. |
