Ascariasis/Calfhood Disease

It is caused by nematode Toxocara vitulorum. It has complex life cycle.

Transmission:
Transmission is by ingestion of highly resistant and long lived larvated eggs. They settle in somatic cells and activate near parturition and migrate to udder. They transfer to calf in colostrums and grow to the adult stage in intestine. When animal is of 3-4 weeks, problem start and there is diarrhea and effect to growth.

Clinical Signs:

• Rough coat

• Diarrhea

• If lungs involved fever and cough

• Mucopurulent nasal discharge

• Anemia and steatorhea (fat along with feaces) specially in young ones.

Differential Diagnosis:
Pneumonia in young animals, malnutrition, chronic enteritis.

Treatment:
Ivermectin, levamisole, benzimidazole group (alfendazole, albandazole). After one month of calving deworming is done. Then after every 2 or 3 month (3 or 4 times/year).

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