Helminth Parasites of the Wild Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) in North East England

Abstract

During the spring, summer and autumn of 1967, 1968 and 1969, 109 rabbits were collected from two localities in Northumberland. Post mortem worm counts indicated that six species of helminths were present, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Passalurus ambiguus, Strongyloides papillosus, Nematodirus battus, N. filicollis and Cittotaenia denticulata.T. retortaeformis was recovered from both localities, an overall infection rate of 88% being recorded.P. ambiguus and C. denticulata were found at only one of the localities which would indicate that these species have a locally discontinuous distribution and an explanation for this has been discussed.Both Nematodirus battus and N. filicollis which are normally sheep parasites were recorded for the first time from wild rabbits. The numbers of rabbits infected and size of infection were small and in consequence the rabbit can not be considered an important reservoir for these species.