Bursa characteristic of the order. Common name is derived from white uteri and ovaries winding around the red blood-filled intestine giving a twisted barberpole appearance. This is one example of a large group of parasitic nematodes known as the trichostrongylids which has many genera and species which cause significant economic losses in domestic animals. More prevalent in warm moist regions than in cold, dry areas.
Eggs pass with feces.
J1 and J2 feed on bacteria in feces. In abomasum molt to J4 and to adult, copulate, lay eggs. Drug therapy via drenches, in feed, or in salt. Occurs when animals are reinfested at regular intervals. Exsheathment of J3 causes a pH change in the intestine, and adults are unable to hold on.