Echinococcus Granulosus

Echinococcus Granulosus in Sheep: Diagnosis and Management

Echinococcus granulosus causes Cystic Hydatid Disease in sheep, with canids as primary hosts and sheep as intermediate hosts. In sheep, clinical signs depend on infection intensity, cyst size, and location, potentially leading to poor body condition and respiratory distress due to lung cysts. Diagnosis involves fecal exams or necropsy, identifying hydatid cysts in organs, especially the liver or lungs. Management includes controlling the parasite in canid populations, as direct treatment in intermediate hosts like sheep is impractical.

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REFERENCES:

Cornel Wildlife Health Lab. Echinococcosis.