Coenurosis in sheep of fars province, Iran

Five sheep in a flock of 406 animals were diagnosed for coenurosis caused by metacestode of Taenia multiceps. The affected animals showed characteristic signs of “Gid” including uncontrolled jerky movements, excitement and emaciation. One animal was seriously affected, became blind with one eye, developed paralysis of hind limbs and died. The clinical signs varied according to the number and location of the cysts in brain and other organs. The cysts recovered were confirmed as Coenurus cerebralis. The brain tissue showed damage leading to necrosis, mononuclear leucocytic infiltration and perivascular cuffings. The farmers were advised to take preventive measures for sheep as well as accompanying dogs.