23/09/2025
Parafilaria in cattle🩺💉💊🐂🐄🐂🐄
caused by the nematode Parafilaria bovicola, is an internal parasite that creates bleeding points on the skin from which adult female worms deposit eggs. These lesions, along with "false bruising" on carcasses at slaughter, result in significant economic losses due to meat trimming and hide damage. The parasite is transmitted by flies, such as Musca spp., which ingest the larvae from the bleeding lesions and then transmit them to other cattle.
Clinical Signs & Economic Impact
Bleeding Points: The most visible sign is the presence of small, bleeding lesions, often on the head, neck, and back of the animal.
Carcass Damage: At the abattoir, these lesions appear as "false bruising," and the affected parts are trimmed from the carcass, leading to meat loss.
Hide Damage: The presence of active and healed lesions can also lead to the downgrading of hides
Treatment and Prevention
Deworming: Treating cattle with effective anthelmintics, such as ivermectin, can reduce the number and surface area of lesions.
Timing of Treatment: Cattle should be treated at least 70-90 days before slaughter to allow lesions to resolve.
Fly Control: Managing fly populations is crucial to breaking the transmission cycle of the parasite.
Regular Treatments: Regular parasite control programs are recommended for all cattle and weaned calves to increase weight and productivity.
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