Onchocerca gibsoni
Category:
Species:
Endoparasite
Description:
Onchocerca gibsoni
General Description:
Long roundworms, 30 to 60 millimeters in length.
Life Cycle:
Not completely known; indirect; the midge (Culicoides) is the intermediate host for O. gibsoni and Simulium is the intermediate host for O. gutturosa.
Location:
O. gibsoni are found in nodules under the skin, especially on the brisket and outside surfaces of hindlimbs. O. linealis are found in the cervical and femuro-tibial ligaments.
Geographical Distribution:
Widespread in the Far East, Australia, North and South Africa, Europe and USA.
Significance:
Skins of infected carcasses are not suitable for sale.
Effect on Host:
Adult worms of O. gibsoni are localized under the skin. The host, in reaction to them, surrounds them with skin. This produces nodular swellings under the skin up to 5 cm in width, located especially on the brisket and the outer areas of rear limbs. O. linealis adult do not cause clinical manifestations.
Diagnostic Information:
Larvae (microfilariae) of Onchocerca may be found in tissue near nodules where adults live.
Control:
Reduce midge populations; protect animals from them.
Pictures: