The effect of ageing on the antigenicity of Haemonchus contortus larvae.

Viable Haemonchus contortus larvae used as a source of antigen in complement fixation tests showed a decrease in antigenic potency following storage for approximately two months at 5 degrees C. In contrast, larvae killed by freezing and stored at --15 degree C showed no such decline over a similar period. It is suggested that this loss of potency with ageing may be partly responsible for increased worm populations in sheep in spring.