PARASITIC GASTROENTERITIS (PGE)

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Causative Agent(s):

Helminth parasites mainly round worms

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) is an endemic problem often misdiagnosed as or complicating bacterial gastroenteritis. The clinical signs associated with GI parasitism are similar to signs seen in many diseases and conditions; however, a presumptive diagnosis based on signs, grazing history, and season is often justified. Most common clinical sign is diarrhoea with normal body temperature. Worm problems are seen most frequently in young beef cattle from time of weaning and several months thereafter, and in segregated groups of dairy calves during the first season at grass.

Diagnostic Considerations

Infection usually can be confirmed by demonstrating nematode eggs or tapeworm segments on faecal examination.

Management and Treatment

Broad spectrum anthelmintic treatment can be done with the following drugs:

  • Albendazole 5 mg/kg orally
  • Fenbendazole 5 mg/kg PO, single dose
  • Febantel 5-10 mg/kg PO)
  • Levamisole 4-11 mg/kg SC, PO,
  • Pyrantel tartrate: 25 mg/kg
  • Morantel 8 mg/kg PO for cattle and 10mg/kg PO for sheep and goat
  • Piperazine 110 mg/kg.
  • Ivermectin 200 µg/kg SC; 500 µg/kg by 'pour-on'
  • Praziquantel 75-10 mg/kg PO for sheep; 10-15 mg/kg PO for goats; 10 mg/kg for cattle. This treatment is for cestodes in cases of mix infection.