Comparative evaluation of two emigration/sedimentation techniques for the recovery of dictyocaulid and protostrongylid larvae from faeces.

A comparison between the performance of a flask and a funnel method in recovering dictyocaulid and protostrongylid larvae from faeces revealed the clear superiority of the former. On an average, 137% (p<0.01) more Dictyocaulus viviparus, 175% (p<0.05) more Muellerius capillaris and 1709% (p < 0.01) more Elaphostrongylus cervi larvae were recovered from samples processed by flask rather than funnel. Attempts to further improve the flask method by substituting cloth stockinette for paper tissue, tended to result in the recovery of more faecal debris but no more larvae. In addition to its greater sensitivity, it is suggested that the flask method offers advantages over the funnel system both in terms of time-saving and in lessening the likelihood of cross-contamination.