Morphological observation of Toxocara vitulorum found in Japanese calves

Abstract

Between 1982 and 1988, ascarid nematodes were found in the feces of Japanese calves in Kyushu and Okinawa districts. Seven males and 21 females of the ascarids were observed morphologically for identification of species. Male and female ascarids were 15.64 (14.0-18.0) cm and 25.75 (16.5-34.0) cm in average length, respectively. Eggs were 81.6 microns and 71.8 microns in large and small diameters, respectively. The body of ascarids was translucent and soft. The boundary between the enlabium and prelabium of lip was clearly visible and the esophageal ventriculus was also observed. The vulva was situated at a distance of about 1/7 approximately 1/9 of body length from the anterior end of body. The surface of egg shell was relatively smooth, without rugose albuminous coat. These morphological features coincided with those of Toxocara vitulorum.