A new species of nematodirus in sheep [11]

Abstract

OUTBREAKS of parasitic disease in lambs have occurred in the north of England during June and July 1951. Deaths have been associated with the presence of large numbers of nematodes of the genus Nematodirus. We are grateful to Mr. W. Lyle Stewart, who sent us the contents of the intestines of five lambs which had been sent to him for examination. About two million worms were received, and the collection was remarkable not only because of the large numbers but also because more than 90 per cent of the worms belonged to the genus Nematodirus. Examination showed that there were no N. spathiger, a large number of N. filicollis and a large number of a third species of Nematodirus. This last species cannot be referred to any known member of the genus, and it is proposed to name it Nematodirus battus. The description is as follows. © 1951 Nature Publishing Group.