The common name of the capillaria aerophila is the fox lungworm. This is because the worm is mainly found in the lungs of foxes, especially when it’s been a major infestation. However, it can also be found in dogs, and there have even been a few cases of finding this worm in humans. The term “lungworm” is more appropriate for a few other species of the worm, but that’s neither here nor there.
The fox lungworm can complete a single lifecycle in one host. This makes it highly unlikely that the worm will change hosts midlife or have a “midlife crisis” and leave their host. Mild infestations will only manifest themselves outwardly with coughs and irritations of the throat. More serious infestations may result in pneumonia.
