Strongyloides stercoralis in kennel puppies: management
Several 6-week-old puppies from a warm, humid kennel have watery diarrhoea and poor growth, and one is coughing. Strongyloides stercoralis larvae are found with the Baermann technique on freshly passed faeces.
Which statement about managing this infection is correct?
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A. A single dose of pyrantel clears the infection and no follow-up is needed
Pyrantel is not effective against Strongyloides, and autoinfection means a single dose is rarely enough.
B. The infection is not zoonotic, so no measures are needed for staff
Strongyloides stercoralis can infect people (larvae penetrate the skin) and is serious in immunocompromised individuals: gloves, hygiene and prompt removal of faeces.
C. Treat (e.g. fenbendazole for several consecutive days) and repeat the Baermann test after treatment, because autoinfection can perpetuate the infection
Correct. Strongyloides can complete its cycle within the host (autoinfection), so infection persists if treatment is incomplete. Follow-up Baermann tests on fresh faeces are repeated and kennel hygiene is improved.
D. As these are larvae rather than eggs, it is environmental contamination of the sample and needs no treatment
In fresh faeces, L1 larvae are the typical form shed by Strongyloides; they should not be attributed to contamination if the sample was collected properly.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Strongyloides: young puppies in warm, humid kennels, watery diarrhoea and sometimes bronchopneumonia. Larvae, not eggs, are shed (Baermann on fresh faeces). Because of autoinfection, treat thoroughly, recheck after treatment and protect staff.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.