Gastropod intermediate hosts of lungworms (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) on a bighorn sheep winter range: aspects of transmission

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Abstract
A study of the gastropod intermediate hosts of the lungworms Protostrongylus stilesi and Protostrongylus rushi was conducted on a bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) winter range in southwestern Alberta, 1984–1985. Over 7000 gastropods were examined. Seven gastropod species were infected with Protostrongylus-type larvae: the predominant intermediate hosts were Euconulus fulvus (6.8% infected), Vertigo gouldi (5.6%), and Vertigo modesta (3.2%). Prevalence of third-stage (infective) larvae was highest in September and April, coinciding with use of the winter range by bighorn sheep. An index of lungworm availability to sheep was highest in autumn in the margins of aspen copses and in spring in the grassy openings. Copses were used extensively by sheep in autumn, and open areas were used in the spring. Presence of a mule deer (Odocoileus h. hemionus) lungworm, Orthostrongylus macrotis, was an inherent problem.

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