Gid in sheep
Gid, also known as Coenurus cerebralis, is a disease caused by the tapeworm Taenia multiceps. This pesky parasite forms cysts in the central nervous system of sheep, leading to a range of neurological issues. While some tapeworms can be a concern for humans, T. multiceps is not one of them, so no need to worry about catching it yourself! The life cycle of this tapeworm involves dogs or foxes, which ingest sheep brains containing cysts. The adult tapeworms then develop in the intestines of these animals, producing eggs that are excreted in their feces. Sheep become infected by ingesting these eggs, leading to the development of larvae that invade their nervous system and form cysts.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Gid 🩺
The symptoms of gid can appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. In acute cases, where there is heavy contamination of pastures by dog feces, sheep may die within a few days after showing neurological signs. These signs include fever (pyrexia), head pressing, depression, blindness, circling, and head tilts. The chronic form is more common in sheep aged 6 to 18 months and progresses slowly, with symptoms appearing months after infection.
Treatment of Gid 💊
Unfortunately, treating gid is quite challenging. While surgery can be attempted, it is rarely successful, and euthanasia is often the most humane option. The key to managing gid lies in breaking the tapeworm's life cycle. This involves regularly worming farm dogs and preventing them from accessing sheep carcasses. Dogs that have access to sheep fields should be treated with praziquantel every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent the spread of the disease.
Prevention of Gid 🛡️
Prevention is the best strategy when it comes to gid. By controlling the tapeworm's life cycle, you can protect your flock. Ensure that all dogs on the farm are regularly wormed and kept away from sheep carcasses. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of gid in your sheep.