BOVINE HEMORRHAGIC PARAFILARIOSIS IN AN IMPORTED CHAROLAIS BULL

Parafilaria bovicola is a parasite that is not endemic to Ireland. In other countries such as Sweden it has caused widespread economic losse s to the cattle industry due to carcass trimming and lowered value of hides. A Charolais bull, recently imported from France, was presented with multiple bleeding points consistent with a clinical diagnosis Of parafilariosis. On examination of smears taken from the bleeding point s, eggs and microfilariae of P. bovicola were observed, confirming inf ection in this animal. The lesions rapidly resolved after treatment wi th invermectin. Musca autumnalis is the vector and intermediate host o f P. bovicola in Sweden. Because of the widespread abundance of this i nsect in Ireland and the poor efficacy of anthelmintic treatment again st early larval stages at the time of importation this parasite must b e considered a potential threat to the national herd.