PARAFILARIOSIS IN AFRICAN BUFFALOS (SYNCERUS CAFFER)

This is the first report on the occurrence of Parafilaria bassoni in t he African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Previously this parasite has bee n recorded only in springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) in Namibia. Haem orrhagic perforations (bleeding points), the usual lesions seen in inf ected animals, were caused by gravid female parasites ovipositing embr yonated eggs. These lesions occurred mainly on the dorsal and lateral sides of buffaloes. Complications of these lesions developed in a smal l number of buffaloes because of secondary bacterial infection [subcut aneous abscesses (3/178)] and as a consequence of a localized Type 1 h ypersensitivity [large cutaneous ulcers (7/178)]. Red-billed oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorynchus) appeared to play an important role in the e pidemiology of this parasite as well as in the pathogenesis of the les ions. They reduced the likelihood of spread by ingesting blood contain ing embryonated eggs, and caused the development of large ulcers by fe eding on superficial necrotic skin. From the results of an ELISA test it was determind that P. bassoni-infected buffaloes occur throughout t he Kruger National Park complex, with a seroprevalence of approximatel y 34%.