Acquired resistance of merino sheep against Fasciola gigantica.

Merino sheep acquired resistance against Fasciola gigantica, which is contrary to previous observations of infections with F. hepatica in that breed. The acquired resistance was manifest against young adult parasites. St. Croix sheep had previously been shown to have more resistance than European sheep against F. hepatica after primary infection; however, in F. gigantica infections in the present study there was no difference between the resistance levels of the breeds. Antigenic analysis of the host:parasite relationships could lead to identification of protective antigens suitable for use as vaccines.