(Lungworms) Most commonly caused by Muellerius capillaris in goats. Goats are reported to have a widespread interstitial pneumonia without nodular lesions. M. capillaris may predispose animals to secondary infections and compromise health in general.
Symptoms: Clinical Signs usually consist of a chronic fever, cough, muco-purulent nasal discharge, increased respiratory rate, anorexia and weight loss.
Isolating first-stage larvae in fecal samples using the Baermann Flotation technique provides a definitive diagnosis. Larvae may also be found in nasal secretions. Diagnosis at necropsy is based on observation of the parasites in the bronchi of the diaphragmatic lobes. Pulmonary edema, emphysema, and pus-filled lobules may also be evident.
Treatment: Ivermectin (200 – 300 μg/kg SC) or Fenbendazole (7.5 - 15mg/kg orally).
Prevention: Larval stages of M. capillaris may survive in the pasture from one season to the next, so goats may be reinfected. Prevention is achieved by eliminating the intermediate host, such as a snail or slug.
