Limited role of lagomorphs (Oryctolagus cuniculus and Lepus capensis) in the dispersion of parasite nematodes of ruminants.

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and hares (Lepus capensis) were investigated under natural conditions for infection with ruminant nematodes, either in the condition of close contact with sheep (south-east of France) or unknown contact with ruminants (central region and French Champaign). Rabbits and hares were poorly infected with sheep digestive tract nematodes: Trichostrongylus colubriformis (second record) was encountered in one site and Trichostrongylus capricola (a first record) in another site, at very low intensity. Small sheep lungworms (Neostrongylus linearis and Cystocaulus ocreatus) were not recorded in rabbits grazing common pasture with sheep. Although transmission remained limited between lagomorphs and ruminants, it could play a role in the transfer of nematode isolates resistant to anthelmintics from one farm to another.