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The incidence of helminth parasites from the wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) in Eastern Scotland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2009

B. Boag
B. Boag
Affiliation:
6 Park Road, Invergowrie, Dundee, Scotland, DD2 5AH
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Abstract

Samples of wild rabbits were collected each month over the six-year period 1977–82 and their intestines and abdomens examined for helminths. Three species of nematode, four of cestode and one trematode were found, Graphidium strigosum was recorded in 33% of the 786 rabbits, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis in 79%, Passalurus ambiguus in 14·2% Cittotaenia Pectinata in 37%, C. denticulata in 11%, Coenurus pisiformis in 3%, Cysticercus serialis in 0·1% and Fasciola hepatica in 0·1%. G. strigosum and P. ambiguus infections were greatest in the older heavier animals whereas juvenile rabbits had the heaviest T. retortaeformis nematode burdens. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in G. strigosum, T. retortaeformis, P. ambiguus and Cittotaenia denticulata. The sex and reproductive state of the female rabbit did not have any significant effect on either the nematode or cestode worm burdens. Myxomatosis was shown to significantly increase the worm burden of T. retortaeformis and raise that of P. ambiguus. No nematode or cestode from domesticated animals were recovered and it was concluded that since F. hepatica was found only once rabbits did not constitute a serious hazard to the farm animals grazing the area.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 59 , Issue 1 , March 1985 , pp. 61 - 69
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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