The distribution and abundance of the ectoparasites of the wild rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.), in New South Wales, Australia

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Abstract
In the winters of 1969 and 1970 a total of 64 rabbits was shot at 11 sites covering diverse climatic regions in the western, central and eastern districts of New South Wales. The ectoparasites of these rabbits were identified and counted. The flea Echidnophaga myrmecobii was most frequently found in western districts; the louse Haemadipsus ventricosus was prevalent in the central districts; the mite Listrophorus gibbus was very abundant on rabbits from the eastern districts, whilst the mite Cheyletiella parasitivorax was prevalent on rabbits from central and eastern districts.The probable consequences of these variations are discussed in relation to their possible effects on the epidemiology of myxomatosis.This investigation was carried out as part of the study of the biology of the wild rabbit undertaken by the Division of Wildlife Research, CSIRO, under the general supervision of Mr K. Myers. The author is indebted to P. Haycock and Miss S. Stephens for invaluable technical assistance. Messrs I. Parer, M. Stranger, G. Richards, H. Bults, J. Libke and P. Haycock shot the rabbit samples.