Shropshire Star

Industry counting cost of infections spread by dogs

Concern has been growing in the sheep industry about the impact of parasite infections spread by dogs, which are costing the sector millions of pounds, writes Clive Brown.

Published

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2012, almost £5 million was lost by the industry due to sheep measles – Cysticercus ovis – being found in 66,500 sheep, while more than £1 million was lost as 742,000 livers were discarded by abattoirs because of bladder worms – Cysticercus tenuicollis. And the impact isn't only felt post-slaughter. Farmers also lose out as infected livestock don't grow as well, often failing to reach target specification and therefore achieving lower values.

It may come as a surprise to you, but humans aren't the only ones who can get measles! Sheep measles results from an adult canine tapeworm (Taenia ovis) and is spread when infected dogs shed eggs via their faeces onto pasture. Within weeks of sheep ingesting eggs, they start to develop infective cysts, typically found in the heart, and potentially in the diaphragm and cheek muscles in more pronounced cases. Infection cannot be identified before slaughter, but often results in the entire carcass being unusable.

Bladder worms originate from another canine tapeworm (Taenia hydatigena). Eggs hatch in the intestine of the sheep, before spreading to tissues surrounding the abdominal organs and liver. In addition to livers being rejected by abattoirs, infrequent moderate to heavy infections can lead to longer finishing periods, increased feed costs and loss of value due to sheep not reaching target specification.

A key area to help address the situation is for dog owners to make sure they follow correct and routine worming procedures. Although there are a large number of products available to worm dogs, recent recommendations suggest only those containing praziquantel are effective against the tapeworms. Treating dogs with these wormers every six weeks, or as advised by your vet, is essential in the control of these parasites.

Farmers should try and ensure farm dogs are prevented from scavenging carcases and are not fed raw meat. However, other dog owners can also help by preventing their dogs from accessing sheep grazing areas when they're on farmland.

We all enjoy walking our dogs in the countryside, me included, but could I ask you all to please be responsible and worm your dogs regularly, as if you don't you could be affecting somebody else's livelihood.

*Clive Brown is senior northern regional manager of EBLEX

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