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

Abstract

This outbreak case with an unidentified etiological agent on caprine mortality was reported from Amhara Regional State, West Gojam zone, Dembecha district in February 2023 with the objective of investigating and determining the cause of the caprine death. During a clinical examination, the goat displayed seizures, lateral recumbency, and appetite loss. Additionally, paddling, convulsions, and unconsciousness were observed, which signs of a central nervous system disease. The case for coenurosis cerebralis has been established based on the clinical signs and the presence of certain hosts in the area. The brain was examined postmortem in order to confirm the diagnosis further. Cysts were found during necropsy in the left hemisphere's occipital lobe. The cysts were filled with a clear fluid, and the inner layer of the cysts had several clusters of scolice growing out of it. Larval form of Taenia multiceps, known as Coenurus cerebralis, is found in the small intestines of dogs and other carnivores in the wild. Worldwide, coenurosis is endemic, and it is particularly prevalent in Ethiopia's highlands, where there are many sheep. Commonly occurs in the life cycle of dogs and small ruminants. The larvae of this parasite are found in the brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts, while the adult stage of the parasite lives in the small intestine of dogs, foxes, coyotes, and jackals. The definitive host becomes infected when it eats the brain or tissue become infected when the dog eats the brain containing the Coenurus cyst, which then develops into Taenia multiceps and begins to pass proglottids containing eggs on pasture. If a person accidentally consumes a parasite egg, they become infected with coenurosis. The primary method of controlling coenurosis is the regular administration of canine anthelmintics and the proper disposal of sheep and goat brain.