Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
Eimeria cernae is recorded for the first time in England and the life-cycle is described in experimentally infected bank-voles (Clethrionomys glareolus). The pre-patent period was 6 days and the patent period was 4–6 days. Oocysts were ellipsoidal in shape and measured 20·2 × 15·9 μm. Sporocysts, measuring 11·5 μm long and 6·8 μm wide, possessed a small stieda body and contained a mass of granular sporocyst residuum. The endogenous stages developed in the epithelial cells of the colon and rectum. Three generations of schizonts were found. The lst-generation schizont seen at 48 h post-infection (p.i.) contained up to 8 merozoites, the 2nd-generation schizont seen at 72 h p.i. had a mean number of 16 (12–20) merozoites and the 3rd-generation schizont at 96 h p.i. had a mean of 18 (14–21) merozoites. Gamogonic stages were present from 96 to 120 h p.i. in the rectum only.