A brief understanding of Trichuris ovis in ruminants

Abstract

Trichuris ovis, commonly known as whipworm of sheep occurs in the caecum and colon of sheep, goats, cattle and other ruminants in all parts of the world but is relatively harmless. However, clinical diseases due to T. ovis may also be found in sheep and cattle. Heavy infection may be occurred in very young lambs, kids and calves. The infected hosts may suffer from bloody colitis and diphtheritic caecitis which may cause ulcerative and necrotic lesions on the mucosa. In animals with high worm burden severe anaemia and dehydration and jaundice may lead to the death of the animals. Methyridine, fenbendazole and oxfendazole are the example of anthelmintics which can be used to treat trichuriasis in sheep, goat and cattle.