Stephanofilariasis in dairy cattle: the need for early diagnosis and treatment

ABSTRACT

Stephanofilariasis is a disease caused by a nematode, globally widespread, that affects dairy cattle causing skin lesions near the mammary gland. Therefore, the objective of this study was to report the occurrence of an outbreak of stephanofilariasis in dairy cows in a property from Southern Brazil, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment. Stephanofilariasis was suspected based on the appearance and location of the lesion. Skin scrapings and lesion imprints confirmed the clinical suspicion. Since the cows were lactating, treatment was based on topical organophosphate trichlorfon 6% for seven days. Early diagnosis helps to better curative efficacy.