The effect of gastrointestinal parasitism on blood copper and hemoglobin levels in sheep.

Endoparasitism is a problem in Trinidad, as it is in most tropical countries. Parasite infection has been suspected to contribute to the pathogenesis of swayback disease (which is also prevalent in Trinidad), but the mode of action has not been clearly defined, although it has been suggested that parasites interfere with the absorption of copper from the gastrointestinal tract. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of endoparasitism on blood copper levels and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in sheep in Trinidad. Copper was administered intramuscularly to parasite infected and noninfected animals. The results showed that parasitism has a depressing effect on blood copper and Hb levels, even when administered parenterally. It is concluded that parasitism can aggravate existing hypocupremia and possibly influence the expression of swayback disease.

Studies on the relationship between sway disease of bactrian camels and copper status in Gansu province.

The clinical signs of camel sway disease in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu province were defined. The contents of eight minerals in soils, in forage and in the blood and hair of bactrian camels from this region were determined. The related blood indices were also measured. The concentration of molybdenum in soils and forage was 4.8 +/- 0.02 and 4.8 +/- 0.25 micrograms/g (dry matter), respectively, the copper to molybdenum ratio in the forage being only 1.3. The concentration of copper in blood and hair from the camels was 0.28 +/- 0.17 micrograms/ml and 3.50 +/- 1.00 micrograms/g, respectively. There was a hypochromic microcytic anaemia and a low level of ceruloplasmin in the blood. It is therefore suggested that sway disease of bactrian camels in this region is caused by secondary copper deficiency, mainly due to the high molybdenum content in soils and forage. The copper deficiency in the camels was aggravated during reproduction. Oral administration of copper sulphate can prevent and cure the disease.

A farm investigation into swayback in a herd of goats and the result of administration of copper needles.

Clinical, biochemical and pathological findings led to a diagnosis of swayback in a herd of goats. Trace element values in soil, pasture and supplementary feed were measured, and copper oxide needles administered to the adult goats. This form of treatment had a more limited effect in these goats than is reported in sheep.

Enzootic ataxia of lambs and kids in the Ethiopian Rift Valley.

A syndrome of progressive ataxia leading to quadriplegia in young lambs and kids is described. The disease was characterised by high morbidity and mortality in affected flocks with annual recurrence and relatively limited geographical distribution. Hypocupraemia of lambs and ewes was very marked but there was no evidence of inflammatory or demyelinating disease in the brain and proximal cervical spinal cord nor of marked departures from normal haematological values.