Strongyloides papillosus infestations of lambs in Plateau State of Nigeria.

The frequent appearance of patent infestations of Strongyloides papillosus in lambs under one week is observed, and it is suggested that either the short generation interval or pre-natal infection is the cause. Pathogenic effects associated with heavy infestations in young lambs consisted of anorexia, loss of weight, diarrhoea and a moderate anaemia. The lambs were usually very weak, unable to stand and laying prostrate. Death usually followed at this stage and three such lambs examined showed severe enteritis. There was also severe dermatitis noticed around the flanks and abdomen. The epidemiology studies which were based on worm egg counts taken at monthly intervals for a twelve-month period showed high counts in October and November, intermediate counts in May to August and low counts from February to April. The egg counts per g of faeces ranged from 100 to 18,000.