| Summary: | Coenurosis is a neurological parasitic infection of sheep caused by the larval stage of Taenia multiceps. In
spring 2020, several animals were referred from different flocks (10 sheep herds) to the Clinic of Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran with a history of acute neurological dysfunctions associated with
increased mortality. Affected animals were 5-8 months years-old from the mixed breed and both sex. Physical
and ophthalmoscopic examinations were performed. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were obtained
from the lumbosacral region and were examined grossly and microscopically. The CSF examination showed
a mixed population of mononuclear cells with a predominance of small lymphocytes and reduced number of
monocytes. Neutrophils were also occasionally observed. Dissection of the brain revealed ventricular
deformity Coenurus cerebralis with white protoscolices causing the obstruction of the ducts and thus resulting
in internal hydrocephalus and lateral ventricles enlargement. This study, as the first report of the epidemic
incidence of cerebral coenurosis in sheep from Urmia, Iran, implies a failure of prevention and control
measures against a parasitic disease. Thus, regular chemical-prophylactic protocols of dogs and correct
disposal of the infected brain upon slaughtering or death of animals to prevent scavenging by dogs can control
it.
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