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Toxocara vitulorum infection in German beef cattle

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the farmer for his cooperation in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 65, 14163, Berlin, Germany

    Peter L. Venjakob

  2. Veterinary Practice Gerhard Thiele, Heideweg 14, 15837, Baruth, Germany

    Peter L. Venjakob & Gerhard Thiele

  3. Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany

    Peter-Henning Clausen & Ard M. Nijhof

Authors
  1. Peter L. Venjakob
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  2. Gerhard Thiele
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  3. Peter-Henning Clausen
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  4. Ard M. Nijhof
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ard M. Nijhof.

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Venjakob, P.L., Thiele, G., Clausen, PH. et al. Toxocara vitulorum infection in German beef cattle. Parasitol Res 116, 1085–1088 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-017-5393-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-017-5393-2

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