Giardia species (sheep)

Giardia occurs in sheep around the world, including in Canada.  The parasite occurs frequently in lambs less than six months old, but is less common in older animals.  A small survey in Canada found prevalences of 57% and 9% in sheep less than, and more than, six months, respectively.  As is so often the case with Giardia, infection is much more common than is clinical diseases, which is most often seen in two to four week old animals, and which is usually transient.  Little is known about the species/genotypes of Giardia infecting sheep.  Treatment with fenbendazole is helpful where Giardia-associated diarrhea is a problem.