Owner survey of schistosomiasis mortality in Sudanese cattle.

The estimated mortality in six- to 30-month-old cattle due to presumptive schistosomiasis was 7.1% for 155 interviews conducted in the White Nile Province in 1981. This mortality was higher for those herds under sedentary management than for migratory herds (9.4% vs 3.6%). The interviews were done through an informal visit technique by a veterinarian living in the area. The approximate number (19,000) of cattle over six months old estimated to be owned by those interviewed represents about 1% of the population in that province. The mortality from all causes in the six- to 30-month age group was 9.2%; in the over 30-month age group it was 1.8%. The authors judge the schistosomiasis mortality to be somewhat upwardly biased but the mortality due to all causes (9.2%) is consistent with the few reports available.

Clinical diagnosis of schistosomiasis in Sudanese cattle.

This study was done in the White Nile Province to characterise the history and signs of naturally occurring Schistosoma bovis infection in cattle (Gorag). Necropsy and laboratory examinations were performed on 10 animals six to 30 months of age which were in poor condition. They were selected because of a history suggestive of schistosomiasis. All the animals showed some degree of S. bovis infection; eight had a moderate or heavy degree of infection. Also all had liver damage due to either past or active Fasciola gigantica infection. Although concurrent infection with these two trematodes is common an owner who diagnoses Gorag is most likely referring to the syndrome caused by S. bovis as being the major cause of the poor performance observed. Fasciolicide treatment may eliminate active fascioliasis as the principal damaging agent. Also differentiating signs of haemorrhagic diarrhoea, severely sunken eyed appearance and only moderate inappetence are common in animals with acute schistosomiasis.

Externship program for large animal clinical education at the University of Minnesota: description and evaluation.

In 1970, the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota started an externship program as part of their large animal clinical education program. The basic idea was to work in cooperation with practitioners, using their practice world as a teaching resource. During the 1973-1974 school year, this program was evaluated by the University of Minnesota Measurement Services Center. In this externship program, senior year students spend 1 or 2 weeks in practice that closely matches each student's career interest, eg, cow-calf, dairy, swine, or zoo. The participating veterinarians are charged with the responsibility of performing as teachers during the field experience and of assisting the student in preparing a seminar topic. This seminar topic is presented in a discussion format during the spring quarter to other externship students, faculty, and attending practitioners. Since 1970, a total of 176 students have taken externships, and every year 15 to 20 group practices have participated. The principal evaluation results were based on questionnaire responses from 36 students and 20 practices during the 1973-1974 academic year. Students and practitioners indicated that the externship had been a beneficial experience for them. Many felt that the period of externship should have been longer. In general, practitioners agreed that students were able to manage most diagnostic situations and manipulative procedures that occurred during the externship. The seminar was judged by students and practitioners to be a valuable part of the program, and faculty who participated in the seminar believed that it made them more aware of field situations facing practicing veterinarians.