Species of gastro-intestinal helminths of lambs in Northern Ireland.

Abstract

A survey of the helminths parasitising the gastro-intestinal tract of lambs in Northern Ireland is described. Twenty-four species were identified from the three hundred and seventy-two animals examined, which were drawn from abattoirs in different areas.The major species found in the abomasum were Ostertagia circumcincta, 0. trifurcata, 0. pinnata and Trichosirongylus axei. Nematodints battus, N. filicollis, T. vitrinus and Cooperia curticei were the most prevalent species in the small intestine. Some observations are made on the relative incidence and role in the production of parasitic gastro-enteritis.