Coenurosis status in Afro-Asian region: A review

Coenurus cerebralis infection has been observed as a common andworldwide problem of small ruminants. Dog being definitive host of Taenia multiceps plays an important role in spreading the disease. Occurrence of coenurosis cysts in brain, spinal cord and in other tissues have been noticed in wide range of animals like sheep, goats, cattle, horse, buffalo, camel and yak including some wild animals. Prevalence of Coenurus cysts ranged from 1.3 to 9.8% in some herds leading to mortality (1.14–24.61%) and culling of animals to the extent of 37.4%. The cysts showed much variation in respect of their locations and size. Occurrence of coenurosis was observed to be age related, however, early age seemed to be refractory as 90% cases were reported in adult sheep and goats. Clinical syndrome presented vivid types of nervous symptoms with little or no change in haematological and biochemical profile. Treatment of coenurosis in sheep and goats ranged from chemotherapy using albendazole, niclosamide and praziquintal showing little or no effect, to successful surgical removal. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved