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

Abstract

AbstractSamples 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 strigosumwas recorded in 33% of the 786 rabbits,Trichostrongylus retortaeformisin 79%,Passalurus ambiguusin 14·2%Cittotaenia Pectinatain 37%,C. denticulatain 11%,Coenurus pisiformisin 3%,Cysticercus serialisin 0·1% andFasciola hepaticain 0·1%.G. strigosumandP. ambiguusinfections were greatest in the older heavier animals whereas juvenile rabbits had the heaviestT. retortaeformisnematode burdens. Seasonal fluctuations were observed inG. strigosum, T. retortaeformis, P. ambiguusandCittotaenia 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 ofT. retortaeformisand raise that ofP. ambiguus.No nematode or cestode from domesticated animals were recovered and it was concluded that sinceF. hepaticawas found only once rabbits did not constitute a serious hazard to the farm animals grazing the area.