The incidence of lungworm infection in sheep in North-East England
Thomas, R.J.; Nunns, V.J.; Boag, B.
Veterinary Record 87(3): 70-75
1970
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 4248595 Document Number: 20329
The results of a survey of lungs at two abattoirs during 1965-67 are reported. Only two species of lungworms were recovered. Dictyocaulus filaria and Muellerius capillaris. The incidence of adult D. filaria in lambs increased from 16.7 to 33% in June to an autumn peak of up to 75%, individual worm burdens varying up to 245. In older lambs and adult sheep the infection rate was much lower, averaging 3-10%,. M. capillaris infection was widespread, again increasing in autumn to reach 90-100%, but the majority of infections were classed as "light". The level of D. filaria infection is considerably higher than previously reported in Gt. Britain, and this species appears likely to be of economic significance as a contributory cause of unthriftiness in autumn lambs.