Three cases of Parafilaria bovicola infection in Belgium, and a few recent epidemiological observations on this emergent disease

摘要

Parafilariosis is a vectorborne disease of cattle caused by the filaroid nematodes Parafikria bovicok (Filariidae), which is characterised by bleeding spots on the skin and is transmitted in Europe by the face fly Musca autumnalis (Muscidae). Economiclosses due to P bovicok infections in Swedish cattle were estimated to reach US$ 8 million. Reports of parafilariosis outbreaks were published in Belgium in 2008 and the disease has since been considered as an emerging concern. The absence of a major clinical impact, easy confusion with other conditions, such as accidental wounds or insect bites, and a lack of information among veterinary profession probably account for a late identification of the disease. An effort should be made for the systematic diagnosis and accurate treatment of this disease.