These very
small worms live in the small intestine of young foals. Foals can become
infected soon after birth usually through the mare's milk, (or by the larvae
penetrating the skin or by ingestion from the pasture).
The
life cycle is very short and foals as young as 4 weeks of age can develop
heavy infestations which can damage the intestinal lining causing diarrhoea,
loss of appetite and dullness, Affected foals may require veterinary
attention and a special worming treatment may be needed.
Foals
usually develop a natural immunity to infection with this worm by around 6
months of age.
