Toxocara vitulorum infection in German beef cattle.
Toxocara vitulorum is an ascarid that is frequently found in sub-tropical regions but little is known about infections in more temperate climates. In this study, we report the occurrence of this parasite in a beef cattle herd in eastern Germany. In June 2016, large (14-20 cm) cream-colored worms identified as adult T. vitulorum were observed in the feces of 2- to 3-month-old calves. Eggs of this parasite were subsequently detected in pooled fecal samples collected on all three farm sites. The morphological identification was supported by analysis of partial cytochrome c oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 1 gene sequences. Clinical signs of toxocariasis, such as diarrhea and loss of body weight were not apparent.
Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163, Berlin, Germany.|Veterinary Practice Gerhard Thiele, Heideweg 14, 15837, Baruth, Germany.
Peter L
PL
Venjakob
Veterinary Practice Gerhard Thiele, Heideweg 14, 15837, Baruth, Germany.
Gerhard
G
Thiele
Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
Peter-Henning
PH
Clausen
Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany. ard.nijhof@fu-berlin.de.
Ard M
AM
Nijhof
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005858:Germany; D000069466:Red Meat; D014119:Toxocara / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology*; D014120:Toxocariasis / Q000469:parasitology*
Beef cattle; Germany; Toxocara vitulorum