Marine Mammal Parasite of the Month- July 2020

Jul 23, 2020 parasite of the month

This is a parasite that is actually quite common, but difficult to extract due to its small size and delicate nature. They are transparent and infect phocid seals. The actual worms are found in the lungs but the larvae can be detected in feces by performing a diagnostic fecal test.  What is this parasite and how do they affect seals?