Parafilariosis in African buffaloes ( Syncerus caffer)

KEET, D. F., BOOMKER, J. , KRIEK, N.P.J. , ZAKRISSON, G. & MELTZER, D.G.A. 1997. Parafilariosis in African buffaloes ( Syncerus caffer). Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 64:217-225 This is the first report on the occurrence of Para filaria bassoni in the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Previously this parasite has been recorded only in springbok (Antidorcas marsupia/is) in Namibia. Haemorrhagic perforations (bleeding points), the usual lesions seen in infected animals, were caused by gravid female parasites ovipositing embryonated eggs. These lesions occurred mainly on the dorsal and lateral sides of buffaloes. Complications of these lesions developed in a small number of buffaloes because of secondary bacterial infection [subcutaneous abscesses (3/178)] and as a consequence of a localized Type 1 hypersensitivity [large cutaneous ulcers (7/178)]. Red-billed oxpeekers (Buphagus erythrorynchus) appeared to play an important role in the epidemiology of th is parasite as well as in the pathogenesis of the lesions. They reduced the likelihood of spread by ingesting blood containing embryonated eggs, and caused the development of large ulcers by feeding on superficial necrotic skin. From the results of an ELISA test it was determind that P bassoniinfected buffaloes occur throughout the Kruger National Park complex, with a seroprevalence of approximately 34%.