The genome sequence of the anthelmintic-susceptible New Zealand Haemonchus contortus

The barber’s pole worm, Haemonchus contortus, is one of the most economically important and common pathogenic nematodes infecting small ruminants worldwide (Laing, et al. 2013; Schwarz, et al. 2013). Although this parasite can be controlled using anthelmintic drugs, its remarkable natural tendency to develop resistance threatens the global livestock industry. We provide a high-quality draft genome of the anthelmintic-susceptible H. contortus NZ_Hco_NP field strain isolated from pasture-grazed New Zealand sheep. H. contortus was selected for genome sequencing in order to identify the genetic mechanisms that evoke parasite exsheathment and anthelmintic drug resistance.