A Case Report of Coenurus Cerebralis in a Goat at Dembecha District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Introduction

Coenurosis cerebralis is important disease that affects sheep and goats and results in significant economic loss in their production [1]. Taenia multiceps are a taeniid cestode that inhabits the small intestines of dogs and other wild carnivores. The larval stage, Coenurus cerebralis, is typically found in the central nervous system. Gid, also known as sturdy, is a disease that primarily affects the central nervous systems (CNS) of sheep and goats and, to a lesser extent, cattle, buffalo, camels, pigs, deer, horses, yaks, and wild sheep, as well as humans [2]. In addition to being a serious health concern for sheep and goats everywhere, this disease could have important economic repercussions. The location, size, and extent of the cysts as well as the degree of brain compression all affect the symptoms [3].

When the cyst in Coenurus cerebralis grows, it causes CNS disorders that may be fatal. Coenurus cerebralis causes purulent meningoencephalitis [4]. Animals that have been infected display ataxia, blindness, circling, convulsions, teeth grinding, head tilting, lack of coordination, uncontrolled movements, salivation, paresis, and cerebral atrophy. Typically, 2–8 months after ingesting the pathogen, the majority of the clinical symptoms are seen [5]. Aside from the peritoneal and pelvic cavities, liver, intramuscular, tongue, parotid, lung, perineal fat, tunica adventitia of the aorta, and lungs, extracranial locations in goats have also been reported to harbor Coenurus cysts [6].

Radiology, ultrasonography, and computed tomography are imaging techniques that are rarely used to diagnose coenurosis instead of a clinical examination. Necropsy results are typically used to confirm the diagnosis [7].

Objective

The main goal of the investigation was to determine what caused an outbreak of caprine deaths and to gather samples and other data in the outbreak area.

Results

Following the fieldwork, insightful conversations on the outbreak’s cause were had with every staff. Finally, the team came up with a case definition for coenurosis cerebralis, and after performing a necropsy, the disease was definitively diagnosed. Goats with coenurosis cerebralis cysts were found to have them in their brains (Figure 2A and 2B).

Click to enlarge

Figure 2A: A cyst settled in the left cerebral hemisphere.

Figure 2B: A cyst after protruded from the brain.

The necropsy finding of the cysts confirmed the case at the field level. Cysts were found during necropsy in the occipital lobe of the left cerebral hemisphere of the brain. The cysts had a translucent fluid inside of them, and the inner layer of the cysts had numerous scolices growing out of it. The cysts’ inner layer was distinguished by a thin transparent wall, while the outer layer had a thick fibrotic capsule.

Discussion

Globally, coenurosis is a serious issue with sheep and goats. According to the attendant’s information, villages where dogs and domestic animals coexist closely with domestic animals are much more likely to have the disease. Additionally, the majority of small ruminants are still slaughtered at home, and dogs in the village typically receive uncooked offal and carcass wastes. Numerous clinical symptoms, such as ataxia, blindness, circling, unsteadiness, drowsiness, head pressing, hind leg paralysis, and coma, have been reported in other studies Ozmen, et al. [8] and were also seen in the current case. According to some evidence, goats are less likely than sheep to develop coenurosis. This might be because goats spend less time grazing on the ground than sheep do. Since they tend to eat more specialized foods than sheep and typically eat the leaves that are on top of shrub and tree branches. Sheep are also effective hosts for the development of T. multiceps and coenurosis [9].

One of the cysts in the current report was located on the left hemisphere’s occipital lobe which similar with previous case [10]. Cysts interfere with CSF absorption as occupying masses and can raise intracranial pressure. Depending on the location, size, and level of pressure in the cerebral tissue, the clinical signs can vary [11]. Animals that are affected hardly ever exhibit clinical symptoms, and the cyst is typically only discovered after death or accidently being killed. Finally, we described the discovery of CNS in C. cerebralis in a goat.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Coenurosis disease occurs in brain and spinal cord of sheep and Goats caused by the intermediate stage of Taenia multiceps which inhabits the intestine of dogs, cats and wild carnivores. The best way of confirming the case was through clinical inspection and necropsy. The presence of free extending dogs and wild carnivores can worsen the spread of the parasite over a wide grazing land. Outbreak situation at about 20 goats were dead in the time outbreak, and daily goat deaths are occurring because there is no intervention. Coenurus cerebralis was identified in the outbreak case on the scene, and necropsies are typically used to confirm diagnoses.

The following recommendations were made in light of the aforementioned finding.

• Every residents should preventing dogs from accessing farms
• Not giving leftover meat/animal head from slaughtered animals to dogs
• Periodic administration of anti-helminthic medications to dogs and public awareness campaigns about the threats posed by this worm.

• Dead animals should be disposed of properly by pet owners.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.