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The epidemiology of Nematodirus battus – is it changing?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

D. Rh. Thomas
D. Rh. Thomas
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW
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Summary

Natural populations of 3rd-stage Nematodirus battus larvae were present on pastures in North Wales throughout the year; highest numbers were present in late spring, with smaller peaks occurring in autumn. Inter-site variation was observed in the timing and magnitude of these peaks. Hatching on experimental plots occurred 2 months to 2 years following deposition of eggs. Intraspecific and inter-site variation occurred in the timing, and inter-site variation occurred in the magnitude, of the mass hatch on upland and lowland experimental plots. Arrested 4th-stage N. battus were recovered from Welsh Mountain lambs. Percentage arrest and number of arrested worms was greatest during winter and early spring. The prevalence and intensity of N. battus infection in 1-, 2- and 3-year-old Welsh Mountain ewes was low. The plasticity exhibited in the parasite's life-history is discussed in relation to potential changes in the epidemiology of nematodiriasis.

Keywords

Nematodirus battusepidemiologyarrested larval developmenthatching
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 102 , Issue 1 , February 1991 , pp. 147 - 155
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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