Which Acanthocephala species is often a primary concern for parasitizing swine?
Answer
Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus
While Acanthocephala infect a wide range of vertebrates, specific species have distinct host preferences, particularly in veterinary contexts. For swine, the parasite frequently cited as a primary species of concern in veterinary medicine is *Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus*. In contrast, *Oncicola canis* is typically associated with dogs. These distinctions are important for veterinary practitioners managing infections in different animal populations, as the parasite burden and resulting pathology can vary based on the specific helminth involved.

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