Which worm in pigs causes clinical signs similar to swine dysentery?

Study for the PAVE Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions that provide hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your veterinary equivalence assessment!

Trichuris, also known as whipworm, is a parasitic worm that can infect pigs and is known to cause clinical signs that may resemble those of swine dysentery. Swine dysentery is primarily caused by a bacterium called Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and is characterized by acute diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. T. suis, the species affecting pigs, can also lead to similar gastrointestinal signs due to the inflammation and irritation it causes in the intestinal tract.

The life cycle of Trichuris involves a direct transmission through fecal contamination, where the eggs are shed in the feces of infected pigs and become infective in the environment. Once ingested, the larvae hatch and attach to the intestinal mucosa, leading to significant clinical signs.

The other worms mentioned in the choices cause different ailments or do not present clinical signs that closely align with swine dysentery, making Trichuris the most appropriate answer for this question.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy