Cerebral Coenuruses in Small Ruminants: A Review

Abstract

Cerebral coenurosis is an important disease affecting sheep and goat which causes significant economic losses in their production. Cerebral Coenurosis is caused by larval stage of taenia multiceps known as coenurus cerebralis. The aim of this paper is to review the general aspects of cerebral coenurosis in small ruminants’ and highlight its economic and public health significance. Coenurosis occurs in worldwide and it is endemic in Ethiopia, especially in the highland area where sheep population is high. The life cycle is commonly happens between dog and small ruminants. The adult stage of this parasite inhabits the small intestine of dogs, foxes, coyotes and jackals; while larvae are found in the brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts. When dog consume the brain containing coenurus cyst, cyst develop into taenia multiceps and then start to pass proglottid containing egg on pasture and intermediate hosts get infected when ingest eggs from pasture. Circling, Dullness, torticollis, loss of appetite, frequent bleating, separation from the flock, visual impairment, muscle tremors are the main clinical signs related with coenurusis. Diagnosis is mostly by necrosy while radiology, ultrasonography and CT can also be used. Treatment of choice is by surgical removal of the cyst or by aspiration of fluid from the cyst; also combination of Fenbendazole, praziquantel and albendazole is effective against migratory stage of the larvae. The disease causes great economic loss in small ruminant production. Human get infected with coenurosis if ingests an egg of the parasite accidentally. Regular anthelmintic treatment of dogs, correct disposal of sheep and goat brain are the main control method of coenurosis. The community should Control dog contact with pasture and have to properly dispose the brain of infected sheep and goats after slaughter; also they should keep their hygiene to prevent ingestion of T. multiceps eggs.