Enteritis, Parasitic

Trichuris ovis in the sheep caecum (Courtesy of Bristol BioMed Image Archive)

Trichuris vulpis in the caecum (Courtesy of Bristol BioMed Image Archive)

Comparison- caecum unaffected and affected by Trichuris vulpis (Courtesy of Bristol BioMed Image Archive)

• This is the most important condition causing cattarhal enteritis worldwide.
• Seen mainly in grazing animals.
  • Especially in sheep - causes large production losses.
• Particularly problematic since some parasites are resistant to anthelmintics.
  • Especially in Australia.
  • e.g. Nematodirus and Trichuris.
• A pre-patent period of 7-10 days is followed by the development of greenish diarrhoea.
  • The gut becomes filled with greenish soupy material.
  • Oedema and hyperaemia of mucosa occurs.
• In young animals, parasites can cause serious disease and even death.