What condition would infection with Bunostomum cause in sheep and goats?

Infection with Bunostomum, a genus of hookworms, primarily leads to anemia in sheep and goats. This parasitic infection occurs as larvae penetrate the skin and migrate through the bloodstream to the intestines, where they attach to the intestinal lining and feed on the host's blood. This blood-feeding behavior results in significant blood loss, which can lead to anemia characterized by reduced red blood cell count.

Anemia can manifest with clinical signs such as pale mucous membranes, lethargy, weakness, and in severe cases, respiratory distress. While other symptoms such as diarrhea might occur due to general gastrointestinal disturbance and weight gain is not typically associated with hookworm infection, the most significant and direct consequence of Bunostomum infection is indeed the development of anemia due to blood loss. Understanding the pathophysiology of the infection helps in recognizing anemia as the most critical health issue that arises from this parasitic zoonosis in small ruminants like sheep and goats.