MARCH
1948]
RAM
NARAIN
MOHAN
35
LUNG-WORMS IN GOATS
Mortality due to verminous pneumonia in goats in Bengal was first investigated and reported
by Balwant Singh [1938, 1939, 1940], who found almost all flocks in Darjeeling district affected. The
extent of affection and mortality in these flocks was very variable, but there were instances of whole
flocks having been lost.
The lung-worm most commonly encountered was Varestrongylus pneumonicus. In some cases,
Dictyocaulus filaria was also present. The infestation was generally heavy and the lungs showed
evidence of severe broncho-pneumonia accompanied by much consolidation, especially of the anterior
lobes. Scattered patches of pure verminous pneumonia were a constant feature. The histological
features were, an interstitial cum broncho-pneumonia, marked by the presence of worms, eggs and
larvae in sections (as in lung exudate), and in some cases purulent foci were seen. The disease could
not be reproduced by experimental inoculations with lung exudate and a Pasteurella type of organism,
once isolated from an affected lung, proved non-pathogenic for bovines.
The main clinical symptoms were, gradually increasing loss of condition and a persistent cough
which was dry in the earlier stages but moist and accompanied by a muco-purulent nasal discharge
in advanced cases. The rectal temperatures often rose to 106°F and some goats developed diarrhoea.
The disease was found more prevalent during the winter months.
LUNG-WORMS IN SWINE
The occurrence of Metastrongylus elongatus in pigs in Bengal has also been noted [Balwant Singh,
1937 ; Mohan, 1945]. Balwant Singh found these worms in nearly 50 per cent of slaughtered pigs.
Mohan has recorded serious mortality caused by pneumonia in piglings of a big commercial farm in
Darjeeling district. The two worms which seemed to be concerned in mortality were Matastrongy-
lus elongatus and Ascaris lumbricoides. In most cases in which the lungs were extensively conso-
lidated, the bronchi were found packed with dense masses of M. elongatus, and there was little doubt
of their fatal rôle. In those few cases in which the lung-worms were few or absent, the round worms,
which were present in very large numbers in the intestines of such animals, must have contributed
considerably towards undermining the general health of the piglings and, in view of their life-cycle,
may also have had some part in causing pneumonia. Microscopical and histopathological examina-
tions revealed numerous metastrongyle eggs and larvae and small Gram-negative cocco-bacillary
organisms, the latter generally present in the form of large focal agglomerations.
The recording of Metastrongylus elongatus in this country is of special interest. Baylis and
Daubney [1923] recorded only fragmentary material of this species from the bronchi of a pig in the
collection of the Zoological Survey of India. In view of this, Baylis [1936] says, 'it is uncertain whether
the specimens were of Indian origin ', though Bhalerao [1935] has included the worm in his catalogue
of the helminth parasites of domestic animals in India. The present record should leave no doubt
of the widespread occurrence of this parasite in India, as it has been repeatedly encountered in the
hills and the plains, and in pigs bred locally, in Orissa, and in the United Provinces.
SUMMARY
1. The occurrence of lung-worms and verminous broncho-pneumonia in domestic animals in
Bengal is recorded.
2. Fatal outbreaks of pneumonia, primarily verminous, in adult cattle, goats and piglings are
described.
3. The worms incriminated are Dictyocaulus viviparus in cattle, Dictyocaulus filaria in sheep,
Varestrongylus pneumonicus in goats, and Metastrongylus elongatus in pigs.
The occasional occurrence of Dictyocaulus filaria in goats and Varestrongylus pneumonicus in
sheep is noted.
4. Metastrongylus elongatus may be accepted as a well established parasite of pigs in India.