Giardiasis in intensively reared Saanen kids

Abstract

Outbreaks of diarrhoea in two groups of Saanen kids aged 4 to 6 weeks were ascribed to giardiasis, although Cryptosporidia were also present. In all, 45 out of 65 kids were affected, two animals died, and the remainder eventually recovered. Aspects of the epidemiology and diagnosis of giardiasis are discussed. Air dried smears prepared from small intenstinal mucosa, intestinal contents, or freshly-voided faeces proved to be suitable for making a diagnosis, and are the recommended sample when laboratory examination will be delayed beyond a few hours.