“Gid” or “Circling Disease” (Taenia multiceps or Taenia pisiformis)

27.7.1 “Gid” or “Circling Disease” (Taenia multiceps or Taenia pisiformis)

Life cycle:

1. The adult tapeworm lives in the intestine of dogs, wolves, jackals and foxes. The eggs are passed in the feces and eaten by sheep and goats as they graze.

2. The eggs hatch into larvae in the intestines of sheep and goats. The larvae migrate through the animal’s tissue and form a cyst. Cysts that form in the brain cause “Gid.”

Symptoms:

When the cysts of Taenia multiceps or Taenia pisiformis form in the brain of sheep or goats, they may circle, tilt their head, lose their appetite, appear very tired, cry out, or act strangely. They slowly get worse and eventually die.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is based on general symptoms and necropsy when one can find the cyst in the brain.

Treatment:

Generally, there is no treatment and affected animals should be slaughtered. However, some vets and farmers locate a soft, swollen area on the skull of the sick animal and puncture it to relieve the pressure. This sometimes causes some improvement.

Control:

The cycle can be broken by two methods:

1. Treat all dogs in an area with tapeworm medicine.

2. Do not allow dogs to eat raw meat. Instead, burn the offal of slaughtered animals.