Tape Worm Infestation In A Sheep Flock And Control Measures - Case Study

Research Article
Jalajakshi K., Saritha G and Haritha G.S
DOI: 
xxx-xxxxx-xxxx
Subject: 
science
KeyWords: 
Sheep, Moniezia Sp., Treatment, Control measures
Abstract: 

The most important endoparasitic diseases seen in sheep are parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) caused by a range of gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and protozoan. The aim of the paper is to diagnose, treat and implement the control measures of sheep tapeworm in a farm. Sheep are the definitive host of one species of tape worm i.e., Moniezia expansa. The tape worm of sheep (Moniezia) lives in the small intestines and is transmitted to the sheep by a small non parasitic mite which lives on pasture. This tape worm is considered to be non-pathogenic to adult sheep. But it causes lot of worry to the sheep owners through the obvious presents of expelled tape worm segments in sheep feces and causes mortality in lambs. Out of 80 lambs, twenty lambs died by showing symptoms like fever, restlessness, weight loss, diarrhea and anemia. Postmortem examination of carcasses revealed cysts in various internal organs. Treatment in the remaining lambs and sheep were carried out with Niclozole plus (Niclozamide + Albendazole) @ 5ml/10 kg body weight for lambs below three months of age and plain Niclozamide at dose rate of 1.0gram per 10kg body weight in pregnant adult ewes. Supportive therapy with B- complex oral solutions as well as iron tonics was administered to the infected lambs. Control measures were taken to prevent further infestation.