An outbreak of Cysticercus ovis on an Ontario sheep feedlot

TATONE, ELISE; MENZIES, PAULA; JANSEN, JOCELYN; FERNÁNDEZ, ALICIA SILVINA; PEREGRINE, ANDREW

Jornada; Summer Leadership and Research Program; 2008

Cysticercus ovis is the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia ovis. A recent outbreak of C. ovis in Ontario threatens the viability of the sheep industry in the province, and potentially Canada. The general public, sheep producers and veterinarians need to be educated about C. ovis through the compilation of relevant research and current knowledge. No treatment or vaccine currently exists for C. ovis. Therefore, preventing infection is the only option and requires understanding of the parasite life cycle. During the preparation of educational materials for OMAFRA, several issues were uncovered that could inhibit success in the prevention of C. ovis. Some of the problems include a lack of traceability of infected sheep, and the inability to release source farm information due to privacy regulations and jurisdiction. The outbreak of C. ovis has increased awareness of the parasite and the options for prevention, as well as highlighting some more serious problems that face the sheep industry. Pro-active education of veterinary professionals, veterinary students and sheep producers, via both an informative fact sheet and educational talks, will further increase knowledge and increase pressure on the industry to make the necessary changes to reduce economic loss due to C. ovis.